3 quick thoughts from the NY Jets Week 16 victory over the Jaguars

In a game that was one for the history books, the NY Jets bested the Jacksonville Jaguars 26-21. Let's take a quick look at a few takeaways from the Jets' fourth win of the season.

A historic day for Zach Wilson

Despite being without much of his offensive line, his top three wide receivers, and even his head coach, Zach Wilson outperformed Trevor Lawrence to earn Gang Green the victory.

Finishing the day 14-for-22 for 102 yards, it was Wilson’s legs that did the most damage as he rushed for 91 yards, including a 52-yard touchdown run.

“It was probably the longest touchdown run of my whole life,” Wilson said after the game. “I just felt like I was having fun out there and was just able to play ball like I have my whole life."

Not only did the 52-yarder mark the longest touchdown run by a Jets quarterback in franchise history, but his 91 rushing yards also set the mark by a Jets QB in a single game.

This contest also saw Wilson’s fourth rushing TD in his last five games, so while he looks to continue developing his decision-making and accuracy, he at least has something to fall back on with a skill teams will have to account for going forward.

Braxton Berrios provides a big boost for the NY Jets

If the Jets were to have a team MVP it would likely be Braxton Berrios as he has not only been a difference-maker at receiver but as a returner too.

Despite not earning a spot in the Pro Bowl, Berrios showed why many believed he deserved the trip to Las Vegas as he recorded a 102-yard kickoff return touchdown in the second quarter that put the Jets up 13-9.

“He was amped, hidden away in his hotel room or apartment somewhere,” Berrios said when asked about head coach Robert Saleh’s postgame zoom meeting with the team.

Although he only finished with five receptions for 37 yards, Berrios left his mark on this game and has proved to be a steady force all year for the Jets.

He has also shown to be someone Wilson can depend on in key situations so as Gang Green readies for the 2022 offseason, it would be hard to imagine a scenario where Berrios is not a part of those plans.

Welcome back Michael Carter

If there are any solace Jets fans can take from this season, it is that general manager Joe Douglas seems to have found a fourth-round stud in running back Michael Carter.

Despite missing some time with a high ankle sprain, it did not take the rookie long to get back into the swing of things as he tallied 16 carries for 118 yards in his second game back.

“I can’t imagine what my facial expressions were,” interim head coach Ron Middleton said. “I thought it was a great game, too good of a game, good for TV ratings anyway.”

This was a historic day for Carter as well as it marked his first-ever 100-yard rushing performance. Although the 2021 Jets will not go down featuring a ton of bright spots, the duo of Wilson and Carter will look to give Jets fans a lot to smile about in the years to come.