Chrebet had several takeaways from an ‘enjoyable’ Jets victory
They say everything’s bigger in Texas, but does that include the positives gleaned from a win in Houston?
Wayne Chrebet seems to think so if his comments on the first Jets X-Factor-produced episode of The Underdog Jets podcast are any indication.
The former New York Jets receiver joined Jets X-Factor co-founder Robby Sabo to discuss the aftermath of Gang Green’s 21-14 triumph over the Houston Texans, one that saw the Jets end a three-game losing streak and earn their first road victory of the season.
“It was enjoyable to watch … just to have a win like that and have the defense play like that,” Chrebet told Sabo in the latest episode, released on Tuesday. “It was kind of a complete game. The defense made plays when they needed to. I think they did a great coaching job. Some of these guys that they drafted are starting to step up a lot. So it’s exciting times for the Jets.”
To Chrebet’s point, the Jets allowed a season-low 202 yards to the Texans and erased a 14-3 deficit en route to victory.
Several New York draftees, including Elijah Moore, Bryce Hall, Michael Carter II, and Alijah Vera-Tucker played major roles in the triumph.
Headlines, however, have been dedicated to the play of franchise quarterback Zach Wilson. The second overall pick of the 2021 draft returned to action on Sunday and posted a box of 145 yards on 14-of-24 passing with a perplexing interception that appeared to be thrown when running back Ty Johnson’s back was turned.
Redemption awaited Wilson in the second half, as he wound up running in the touchdown that gave the Jets the lead for good.
Chrebet, who previously worked with first-round quarterback Chad Pennington during his rookie season, said that it’s good that Wilson appears to be in his own head, rather than above it.
“It just comes with time and repetition doing over and over again. He’s still going to see defense he’s never seen before. They’re going to throw everything out on blitzes and man-to-man coverage. … It takes time, but for being out for four or five weeks, I think he handled it pretty well,” Chrebet said. Concerning Wilson’s blooper reel interception, Chrebet defended Wilson as “trying to make something out of nothing.
“He’ll learn to just run it and slide but, if he makes a play, he looks like a hero,” Chrebet said. “He’s not afraid to take chances. Most quarterbacks, if you look at the recent history, the ones who take chances are usually successful in the long run. He’s learning. He tried to make it happen. It didn’t work out, but I feel still think he had a pretty good day.”
Chrebet also took the time to praise the Jets’ defense for its resurgent Sunday output, which featured five sacks and a turnover. The effort was headlined by former Texas high school/college star John Franklin-Myers, who earned the first multi-sack game and interception of his career.
Chrebet was particularly amused by the latter occurrence, which rendered Houston’s first drive fruitless.
“I love to see the big men get a chance to get the ball in their hands because they’re not used to it, so you don’t know what’s gonna happen,” Chrebet said. “Sometimes they’re breaking tackles, sometimes they’re going fast and all sudden, it hits them, what they’re doing. … I feel great for the guy. He got a new contract, he played well last year. He’s playing great this year, this year, learning a new defense. He got everything he deserved in that new contract and he’s showing that.”
In addition to the Houston win, Chrebet and Sabo also discuss various Jets happenings from the season including the rise of receiver Elijah Moore, Mike White’s brief moment in the spotlight, and the Thanksgiving holiday.
Download the latest episode of the Underdog Jets at its new platform on Megaphone.
Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags
