NY Jets: Zach Wilson isn't afraid to make mistakes in practice

The NY Jets have seen some good and some bad play from Zach Wilson this summer. He's made his fair share of mistakes, but the rookie quarterback isn't too concerned.

Wilson spoke to reporters following another up-and-down practice on Wednesday, and he insisted that he isn't afraid of making mistakes.

"Taking care of the ball is 100 percent a quarterback's job, and one of my goals when I came out here, and I got drafted, was how can I adapt to this NFL game as quickly as I can. I can't be afraid to make mistakes, especially in practice. This isn't a game. This is where I'm learning what I can get away with and what I can't. So, there's times, maybe in a real game, where I wouldn't throw that, but there are times when I'm like, 'well, let me try right here and let me see what I can get away with.'"

- Zach Wilson

Wilson has made some questionable decisions over the last few weeks forcing balls into tight coverage when he probably shouldn't have. But he explained his thinking in that above quote.

He's more willing to take chances in practice as opposed to in a game. Really, this should be common sense — but some people are far too quick to judge training camp performances.

After all, it's easy to generate headlines with a three-interception performance while ignoring context.

Zach Wilson's struggles shouldn't concern NY Jets fans

Wilson has had his struggles in practice. He's forced passes in the face of pressure, held on to the ball too long, and misfired when throwing to open receivers. Mistakes are bound to happen.

But what's more important is that Wilson doesn't appear deterred. He looks like he belongs.

He's coupled those mistakes with flashes of brilliance. Tight-window completions, throws on the run, and passes with beautiful touch and anticipation have also been commonplace.

Wilson flashes his talent, and his attitude and demeanor are indicative of a player who isn't in over his head — as many have suggested.

Training camp stats are ultimately meaningless. Who cares if Zach Wilson throws two or three interceptions in a day? He's a rookie quarterback who the coaching staff is entrusting with every first-team rep.

Unlike the other rookie quarterbacks in his class, Wilson has been thrown into the fire. He's running exclusively with the first-team offense while the team is working through install.

Struggles are to be expected. Zach Wilson isn't afraid to make mistakes in practice. After all, practice makes perfect.

And perfection is what Wilson is striving for.