Zach Wilson's performance and 5 takeaways from NY Jets Week 13 loss to Eagles

The NY Jets went into their Week 13 matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles looking to score their first winning streak of the season. Unfortunately, things didn't quite go as planned.

While rookie quarterback Zach Wilson bounced back after a poor performance a week ago, the defense regressed while the Jets' special teams let them down.

Gardner Minshew got the start for Philadelphia in place of the injured Jalen Hurts and torched the Jets defense finishing 20-of-25 for 242 yards and two touchdowns.

Both offenses had their moments, but the Eagles were able to control the time of possession and pull away in the second half. Let's take a look at a few of the biggest takeaways from the game.

1. NY Jets QB Zach Wilson shows signs of progress

Zach Wilson was worse than his stat line would indicate in Week 12. But this week, the rookie quarterback put together what might have been the most consistently good game of his NFL career to this point, despite what the box score might show.

Wilson finished 23-of-38 for 226 yards, three total touchdowns (one rushing), and one interception. He started the game 12-of-14 for 108 yards as the Jets scored a touchdown on each of their first drives.

But the Eagles controlled time of possession in the third quarter which held Wilson to just three passes over the next hour and a half.

Wilson's improvements were evident, however. He controlled the offense — the offense didn't control him. His performance was a direct antithesis to last week.

The Jets may not have won, but Wilson made significant strides on Sunday.

2. The NY Jets defense was really bad again

Unfortunately, following a couple of promising weeks in a row, the Jets' defense came crashing back down to earth with an abysmal performance in Week 13.

The Eagles didn't punt until the fourth quarter as they scored on their first seven possessions. Gardner Minshew looked like Dan Marino. Dallas Goedert looked like prime Rob Gronkowski. And the Jets' defense couldn't stop a nose bleed.

The linebackers were a liability with C.J. Mosley having a particularly worrisome game. Both Elijah Riley and Ashtyn Davis had their fair share of miscues as well. Javelin Guidry played poorly starting in place of the injured Brandin Echols.

It was another disaster of a game for the Jets' defense with the lowlight coming in the third quarter where the Jets had just three offensive plays.

You aren't going to win football games with a defense as bad as this.

3. The Zach Wilson/Elijah Moore connection was clicking

Back to the offense, Zach Wilson's promising day was coupled with another standout performance from Elijah Moore. Moore finished with six catches for 77 yards and a touchdown while adding a nine-yard end-around in the first half.

The rookie wide receiver was once again the Jets' most productive offensive skill player, but what was most encouraging was the chemistry he showed with Wilson.

Moore's breakout coincided with Wilson's absence leaving many to ponder how effective he might be upon the return of his fellow rookie. But on Sunday, Wilson and Moore flashed the chemistry that they showed all summer.

Even if the Jets don't win another game for the rest of the season, if Wilson and Moore can continue to play well and build upon their chemistry, it'll be hard to find many things to complain about.

4. The NY Jets special teams was a mess

The Jets still don't have a kicker. New York moved on from Matt Ammendola this week in favor of Alex Kessman who made his NFL debut on Sunday. Kessman missed both of his extra-point attempts and the Jets seemingly gave up on him after that.

They went for it on 4th-and-goal, opted to go for two instead of kicking an extra point, and did everything to ensure that Kessman didn't attempt another kick. Sunday might have been the first and last time that we see Kessman in a Jets uniform.

Meanwhile, punter Braden Mann had another poor performance. The former sixth-round pick punted twice for 79 yards with both kicks coming up well short of where they ideally would have been.

Either Mann is still not recovered from his knee injury or he's regressed significantly. Either way, he shouldn't be on the field right now.

5. Tevin Coleman had another good day

It's flown under the radar a bit, but Tevin Coleman has more than made the most of his opportunities in recent weeks. Filling in for the injured Michael Carter, Coleman led the way again rushing for 58 yards on 11 carries for an efficient 5.3 yards per carry.

He also hauled in three catches for 19 yards and was a reliable check-down target for Zach Wilson, aside from one third-quarter drop.

This comes one week after he rushed for 67 yards in the team's Week 12 win over the Houston Texans. Coleman has proven his worth and emerged as the de facto lead back with Carter sidelined.

It's easy to overlook how well he's played, but Coleman deserves credit for his performance in recent weeks. Expect him to maintain a role in the offense even upon Carter's return.