Jets QB Zach Wilson's confidence, comfort level growing entering second year

Jets QB Zach Wilson walks on the field at the Green & White practice at MetLife Stadium, Saturday, Aug. 6, 2022, in East Rutherford. Credit: Corey Sipkin
Zach Wilson looks more comfortable running the Jets’ offense and the results have shown in practice this week. He’s displayed some of the traits that has the franchise excited about his future.
Wilson faked a handoff, saw an opening and ran for a touchdown. On another play, he rolled right and hit Tyler Conklin for a nice gain. There’s been a heavy dose of that this camp.
On his final series Wednesday, Wilson rifled a sidearm throw to Elijah Moore and then followed that with a bullet to Corey Davis for a touchdown.
To steal a line from Allen Iverson, we’re talking about practice. Wilson has to do it in games, against other defenses and players who will hit him and knock him to the ground. The second-year quarterback will get a chance on Friday to show how far he’s come since last season when the Jets open their three-game preseason schedule in Philadelphia.
There is one caveat, though: Wilson will play two series at the most. Only one if the first one is a good one.
“We need to look like a football team out there,” Wilson said. “We need to look like we know what’s going on and then once the effort hits and we have to execute, everyone has to come to play for sure. I think we have to take that full on and then I think everything takes care of itself once we do that.”
The expectations for the Wilson-led offense are much higher this season. He’s in his second season in the Jets’ system and has better talent with him than last year.
They added two Pro Bowl offensive lineman in left guard Laken Tomlinson and tackle Duane Brown, who the Jets are signing to help make up for the loss of Mekhi Becton to a fractured kneecap.
The Jets also gave Wilson more weapons in veteran tight ends Conklin and C.J. Uzomah, rookie receiver Garrett Wilson and rookie running back Breece Hall. Offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur will have to make it all click, with Wilson running the offense.
Wilson has strung together a number of good practices in a row and that could indicate he is turning the corner.
“The game is slowing down, all those good things,” Robert Saleh said. “Obviously, there’s another level that’s going to get reached, but I really like the way he approaches every day. He’s unflappable in terms of just not really losing confidence and getting down on himself after a bad play or a bad day.
“I really like where his head is at right now and I really like where the entire offense is, especially in those move the ball periods. It seems like they’re executing at a high level.”
Wilson said he feels much more comfortable, but that’s not by accident. He’s put in a lot of work on his own, with his coaches and with his skill players to make sure he’s as prepared as possible for this season.
“Before I got here you see all the traits: the arm strength, the athleticism,” Conklin said. “The only thing that’s really changed being here is watching him and how hard he works in person – whether it’s studying or the weight room or just in practice or talking about routes maybe we missed in practice. His love for the game and how hard he works at it.”
Wilson and the Jets still have a long way to go before they’re ready for Week 1 against Baltimore. Friday is just another step for Wilson, who’s confidence and comfort level in the offense continues to grow.
“Just never been more excited to play football this year,” Wilson said. “I’m really excited to go into the season.”