Florham Park special: Jets QB Zach Wilson returns in magic style

Wilson capped off his score in style

Never mind Philly, Philly. The New York Jets opted to go “Willy, Willy.”

The Jets scored their first Sunday touchdown in style against the Pittsburgh Steelers, with the returning quarterback Zach Wilson catching a two-yard touchdown pass via trickery, as close friend Braxton Berrios lofted the six-point into Wilson’s waiting arms.

To cap it off, Wilson engaged in the dance phenomenon known as the “Griddy,” surrounded by his jovial teammates as his score gave Gang Green a two-possession lead at 10-0 in the early stages of the second quarter. The score was the first receiving touchdown for any Jets quarterback.

THE CATCH.
THE GRIDDY.

WELCOME BACK, @ZachWilson!!!#NYJvsPIT on CBS pic.twitter.com/kdpbyT6uuz

— New York Jets (@nyjets) October 2, 2022

Berrios is used to such trickery and was a natural choice to pull off such a ruse: he previously served as a starting quarterback at Leesville Road High School prior to his arrival as a sixth-round pick of New England’s in 2018. His last throw came during his senior season at Miami, a 17-yard lob to another quarterback, Malik Rosier in a November win over Virginia Tech.

Wilson is making is season debut after a preseason ankle injury delayed his sophomore campaign’s debut. Like Berrios, he’s well aware of the effects of game-day magic, nabbing 51 yards on three receptions in his final season at BYU.

The Jets are no strangers to such trickery, with backup quarterback Mike White capping off his Halloween mastery with a two-point conversion nab from Jamison Crowder in the 34-31 victory over Cincinnati.

Still, it was the first touchdown reception by a Jets QB in their franchise history.

The Jets lead the Steelers 10-3 in the middle stages of the second quarter.

Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags