NY Jets Week 4 Studs and Duds: Zach Wilson and Corey Davis shine

The NY Jets pulled out yet another comeback win this week against the Pittsburgh Steelers. It may not have been pretty, but the Jets are starting to learn how to win games. Let’s take a look at some of the best and worst performers from this week.

Zach Wilson, QB, NY Jets - STUD

Zach Wilson made his season debut, and despite some early struggles, came alive in the fourth quarter to help the Jets get the win.

Wilson finished the game completing 18-of-36 of his passing attempts for 252 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. He also caught a touchdown pass from Braxton Berrios, becoming the first Jets QB to record a receiving touchdown. 

One of the biggest upgrades from Joe Flacco to Zach Wilson that’s not on the stat sheet is Wilson’s ability to evade sacks. He was only sacked once despite being pressured 15 times which kept the offense alive on many drives.

In the 4th quarter, Wilson completed 10-of-12 of his passing attempts for 128 yards and a touchdown on the game-winning drive. Overall a promising performance in his season debut.

Corey Davis, WR, NY Jets - STUD

Corey Davis had one of his best games as a member of the Jets on Sunday. Davis finished with five receptions for 74 yards and a touchdown. He made a couple of big-time catches late in the game and caught the game-winning touchdown. 

Davis was Pro Football Focus’ highest-graded Jets offensive player this week with an 80.2 grade.

Safeties - STUD

The Jets' safeties, Lamarcus Joyner and Jordan Whitehead, struggled through the first three weeks of the season, but they stepped up to the plate this week. They combined for three interceptions which could have been four if not for an untimely penalty.

Joyner was PFF's highest-graded Jets player and the second highest-graded safety in the NFL with an 89.2 grade. Meanwhile, Whitehead was PFF’s fourth-highest-graded Jets defensive player in Week 4. 

Offensive Line - DUD

The offensive line is in shambles at the moment for the Jets. After offensive tackles Mekhi Becton, Duane Brown, and George Fant all got injured, rookie right tackle Max Mitchell also got hurt and will miss several weeks.

This resulted in the Jets moving right guard Alijah Vera-Tucker to left tackle, Nate Herbig to right guard, and inserting Connor McDermott into the game at right tackle. 

Vera-Tucker has been great in his young Jets career, playing both guard spots and now left tackle and excelling at each position, but aside from him, the offensive line has struggled to this point.

Zach Wilson was pressured all game, consistently running out of the pocket to evade sacks and having to throw away the ball. The Jets were also trying to get the run game going and could not due to the offensive line issues.

Coaching - DUD

It was another week where there were some self-inflicted wounds and bad decisions that almost cost the Jets the win. Much like last week, there was yet another case of a veteran player in Carl Lawson picking up a bad penalty that would cost the Jets points.

Also much like last week, the Jets' offense found themselves in third-and-long situations too often. Even with Zach Wilson back, there were too many run plays on first and second down that resulted in nothing.

When the Jets put the ball in Wilson's hands in the fourth quarter, he won them the game. They need to start trusting him like that all game long.

Overall

This Jets team is still young and learning — and now they are starting to learn how to win games. As previously noted, they may not be the prettiest, but they're getting the job done which is all that matters at this point.

They will look to move to 3-2 next week against a Miami Dolphins team without Tua Tagovailoa.