QB Zach Wilson ‘would not flinch,’ rallies New York Jets to victory in season debut

PITTSBURGH — Quarterback Zach Wilson’s season debut included a historic landing catch, a two-quarter droop that just about doomed the New York Jets and the most important fourth-quarter comeback of his younger profession.

“That was an unsightly win, however that was a few of the most enjoyable I’ve had enjoying soccer,” Wilson stated Sunday after a 24-20 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.

It was a wild sport.

The Jets led by 10 factors within the first quarter and trailed by 10 within the fourth quarter, however Wilson rallied them with 81- and 65-yard landing drives on their remaining two possessions to drag out their second come-from-behind win on the highway. Wilson returned to the huddle after a preseason knee harm that required arthroscopic surgical procedure on Aug. 16. With solely three days of full apply, he was predictably rusty (18-for-36, 252 yards, two interceptions), however he made a number of clutch throws within the fourth quarter. Sunday’s sport was the primary time since 1988 that the Jets led by 10 factors, trailed by 10 and received the sport, based on Elias Sports activities Bureau analysis.

Wilson was practically flawless within the fourth, finishing 10 of 12 passes for 128 yards and a landing — a 5-yard slant to large receiver Corey Davis with 7:31 remaining.

“The younger man would not flinch,” coach Robert Saleh stated.

Wilson, drafted second general in 2021, demonstrated toughness and resilience within the remaining minutes. He accomplished his final seven passes, together with 5-for-5 for 57 yards on the ultimate drive. The Jets took over on Michael Carter II’s interception with 3:34 to play and marched to Breece Corridor’s 2-yard landing run with 16 seconds left.

Wilson stated he did not take into consideration his surgically repaired knee through the sport. He was below heavy duress by a makeshift line. He was sacked solely as soon as, however he was hit six occasions and pressured 14 occasions, based on NFL Subsequent Gen Stats.

“I assumed this was in all probability essentially the most snug I’ve ever felt from a pregame standpoint coming right into a sport,” stated Wilson, who went 3-10 as a starter throughout a tough rookie 12 months.

Wilson proved he might catch a go. Within the second quarter, he scored on the Jets’ model of the “Philly Particular,” a razzle-dazzle play through which he handed it to large receiver Garrett Wilson, who pitched it to receiver Braxton Berrios, who threw a 2-yard go to a large open Wilson.

He grew to become the primary quarterback in Jets historical past to attain a landing reception and the primary to catch a go since Geno Smith in 2013. Wilson celebrated with a “Griddy” dance in the long run zone.

“Fairly cool,” he stated of his landing, joking, “I’ve bought the very best arms on the staff.”

The Jets appeared in management with a 10-0 lead, however Wilson threw two interceptions (one off the arms of tight finish Tyler Conklin) because the Jets squandered alternatives to place the sport away. Wilsons stated “there was frustration, but it surely was the fitting frustration.” The protection made 4 interceptions, together with two by security Lamarcus Joyner, to maintain the Jets within the sport. That gave Wilson two huge possessions on the finish.

“He by no means shut down. He by no means turns it off. You’ll be able to inform he simply believes in himself. He may not have performed an ideal sport, but it surely was his first sport again and every little thing,” Corridor stated of Wilson.

Wilson, displaying no in poor health results from his knee surgical procedure, escaped a handful of sacks along with his mobility. He stated he was “in a great spot” along with his knee, crediting the coaching workers for getting him prepared. He was on the run as a result of his offensive line suffered one other key harm, as rookie proper deal with Max Mitchell (knee) was carted off within the second quarter — the fourth Jets deal with to get injured since coaching camp.

The day started with a shock transfer, proper guard Alijah Vera-Tucker beginning at left deal with. By halftime, solely two of the 5 Week 1 starters had been of their authentic positions — heart Connor McGovern and left guard Laken Tomlinson. Led by Wilson, the Jets (2-2) overcame loads of adversity.

“I assumed he performed sport for his first sport again,” Saleh stated.

The Steelers (1-3) discovered it exhausting to swallow. Stated security Minkah Fitzpatrick, “It is very irritating. It is irritating shedding to those that you understand that you simply’re higher than, extra proficient than.”