Zach Wilson took center stage for his second career preseason outing on Saturday as the NY Jets traveled to Lambeau Field to take on the Green Bay Packers.
And under the spotlight, Wilson dazzled with a brilliant performance throwing for a pair of touchdowns in a near-perfect day for the rookie quarterback.
It was the type of performance Jets fans dreamed that Wilson would have. He finished 9-of-11 for 128 yards, two touchdowns, and an exceptional 154.7 QB rating.
Wilson stole the show. And he had the NFL world buzzing after his fantastic day.
Zach Wilson was the star of the show in the NY Jets preseason victory
Wilson received widespread praise from analysts and NFL personalities all across Twitter. Former NFL wide receiver Chad Johnson was one of the first to weigh in on Wilson's performance.
Y’all see Zach Wilson though ??
— Chad Johnson (@ochocinco) August 21, 2021
Johnson wasn't the only former NFL player to send praise to the young QB. Both Marcus Spears and Dan Orlovsky, two former players turned ESPN regulars, did the same.
Man the way #ZachWilson just moved his Receiver with that pass was another level!! pic.twitter.com/mhGot9HYD4
— Marcus Spears (@mspears96) August 21, 2021
Loved 3 things by @ZachWilson on TD throw
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) August 21, 2021
1-snaps his eyes to #2 in progression right-to-left-DECISIVE/REACTIONARY
2-took a little off the ball tempo wise to get up over LBs/allow TE to adjust/gather himself
3-placed ball back-shoulder to avoid bigger hit off FS
?? @nyjets
Even former NBA center Kendrick Perkins made sure to give a shoutout to Wilson who Perkins has praised before on ESPN's First Take.
I know it’s Preseason but I tried to warn y’all about how ELITE Zach Wilson is!!! Don’t mind me tho and Carry on... https://t.co/OD6EGfYLdH
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) August 21, 2021
Wilson was the talk of social media on Saturday, but it wasn't just the TV personalities getting in on the praise. For the more analytical folks out there, a number of notable draft/football analysts were impressed too.
Zack Wilson looks like a prepared and properly repped quarterback.
— Joe Marino (@TheJoeMarino) August 21, 2021
Zach Wilson looking so composed/prepared is just another massive indication that Saleh & LaFleur are off to a really hot start in NYJ.
— Austin Gayle (@PFF_AustinGayle) August 21, 2021
Everyone wanted to get in on the Zach Wilson admiration. And after his stellar performance, how could you not?
Wilson has had a total of six offensive possessions so far this preseason. He's led the Jets to points on four of them and hasn't had a single three-and-out.
In total, the 21-year-old is 15-of-20 for 191 yards, two touchdowns, and no turnovers. It's been a nearly perfect debut for the rookie out of BYU.
The Zach Wilson hype train has officially left the station. Next stop — a return to MetLife Stadium to host the Philadelphia Eagles in the final week of the preseason.