Jets' Zach Wilson has full support from teammates
Zach Wilson of the Jets throws a pass during the second quarter against the Bills at MetLife Stadium on Nov. 6. Credit: Jim McIsaac
Zach Wilson’s teammates have “extreme” and “ultimate” confidence that he can lead the Jets to victory over New England on Sunday by throwing the football.
Bill Belichick probably again will dare Wilson to prove that.
Wilson threw three interceptions in the Jets’ loss to the Patriots in Week 8, their only defeat since Sept. 25. He has been intercepted five times and thrown only four touchdown passes in six games. The Jets are 5-1 in that span.
Their recipe for success has been a good running game paired with an aggressive defense that is tied with the Patriots for the third-most interceptions (11) in the league, but the Jets believe in Wilson if it takes a big passing game to get the win.
“Extreme confidence,” receiver Braxton Berrios said Monday. “Everybody feels that way. There’s absolutely no flinching in that with anybody in this building, and that’s not an exaggeration. Extreme confidence.”
“Zach’s going to do what it takes to win. If it comes down to Zach, it’s ultimate confidence,” center Connor McGovern said. “His confidence level is extremely high. He’s playing at another level than he was last year. He’s doing whatever it takes to win.”
Injury updates
Corey Davis (knee) rehabbed at the Jets’ facility during the bye week and is considered day-to-day, according to coach Robert Saleh. Davis has missed the past two games.
The Jets are opening the 21-day window to activate right tackle Max Mitchell (knee) off injured reserve.
Tackle George Fant (knee) will remain on IR this week. Defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (elbow) is out this week.
Including Elijah
Saleh called Elijah Moore “a special football player” and said the Jets will “continue to find ways to get him going.” They could use him in the slot more to get him some opportunities. Moore has been targeted only five times in his last four games and has one catch.
“It’s not as easy as, ‘All right, let’s just start throwing him the football, throw him into a certain spot,’ ” Saleh said. “The advantage of our offense is we can take receivers and move anywhere we need to, but at the same time, Elijah is a good football player and we’re continuing to try to find ways to best utilize his skill set to get him the football.”
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
