Advertisement

Zach Wilson’s new coach is already setting off eye rolls in New York

Mike Luciano
Mike Luciano

The Jet Press

Denver Broncos v New York Jets / Jim McIsaac/GettyImages

Zach Wilson has become one of the most reviled names in NY Jets history, as the former No. 2 overall pick was such a humungous bust that he ruined nearly a half-decade of football due to poor play and forced the Jets to get involved in the Aaron Rodgers business.

After spending last season gathering dust as an inactive third-string quarterback with the Denver Broncos, Wilson returned to the AFC East by signing with the Miami Dolphins. He will compete with rookie Quinn Ewers as they try to back up oft-injured southpaw Tua Tagovailoa.

Dolphins quarterbacks coach Darrell Bevell is currently sounding like every Jets fan who thought Wilson was the answer, praising his ability both on and off the field at OTAs.

"He's really eager," Bevell said, via the Palm Beach Post. "He's really humble. He's, I mean, he's, you know, 'What can I do? Need to get better.' And I'm just, I mean, in every way, I've been really pleasantly pleased and pleasantly surprised by how good he's been." The Dolphins are in the fall in love stage of the Wilson affair right before he breaks your heart.

Dolphins coaches praising former Jets QB Zach Wilson

Wilson may not have been in an ideal situation, but he didn't make things any easier on himself. Between his claim that he didn't let his defense down after they lost a game against the Patriots in which they didn't allow a touchdown and his infamous hesitation to return to the starting lineup after one of many benchings in 2023, Wilson was a hot mess off the field.

On the field, Wilson was perhaps even worse. Despite an incredibly simple playbook and some solid skill position players, Wilson threw more interceptions (25) than touchdown passes (23) with the Jets. In 34 starts (let's count the Rodgers torn Achilles game as a start), Wilson topped 300 yards passing just three times and never tossed three touchdowns in one game.

Like Denver, Miami was entranced by his arm talent, which remains undeniable after all of his trials and tribulations. However, the Jets (and Dolphins, in a way) know firsthand what the lows Wilson brings to the table can look like. Is it worth signing up for?

Wilson may have been humbled by his time with the Jets, but unless he finally starts playing like a No. 2 overall pick when he goes to Miami, they might regret their decision to bring him in.

More NY Jets news and analysis:

Mike Luciano

Mike Luciano

Mike Luciano is an NFL staff writer for FanSided with a lifetime of expertise in all 32 teams, including the Las Vegas Raiders. He began his journey at Minute Media in 2020 and has since edited and written thousands of articles covering everything from the NFL Draft to the Super Bowl and free agency. Mike's work has been featured on Bleacher Report, Sports Illustrated, FanSided.com, and other outlets. Hot takes can be found on Twitter @ByMikeLuciano.