Can Zach Wilson’s rusty skills spark the New York Jets? New York Jets Blog

FLORHAM PARK (N.J.) — The New York Jets Their rusty quarterback will be accompanied by their rusty left-hand tackle. They hope to find the offense they had in mind from March through August.

While the transformation won't happen immediately, it will be second-year quarterback Zach WilsonThe highly anticipated return by ‘The Rock' should give them the opportunity to change the script on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers Acrisure Stadium (1 p.m. ET, CBS). While he isn't wealthy, Joe FlaccoWilson's intelligence and experience could be a game changer for the Jets (1-2).

Mike LaFleur, offensive coordinator, stated Thursday that Zach is a different player from Joe.

Wilson has not played a game since the Philadelphia opener. On his ninth play, Wilson suffered a meniscus tear in his right knee and a bone bruise. This was a non-contact injury which required arthroscopic surgery. He will have only three practices by the time he steps onto the field on Sunday.

Wilson believes that he is more prepared for the return after such a long break. His timing, anticipation, and endurance are likely to be affected after such a long time. Wilson missed four games last November with a sprained ankle. LaFleur said that it was strange for him to wear a brace, especially as he hadn't worn one before. Wilson was not 100% as evidenced by his sometimes clunky gait.

LaFleur stated that “you wouldn’t even know” that he had undergone the surgery this time.

Many might wonder if Wilson should play this week considering the venue and that Wilson has career backup Conor McDermott He will be covering his blind side, but Jets claimed the injury was fully healed and that Wilson can now start Wilson's second-year, rust be damned.

“Yeah, he’s going to have to feel his way through, but like everything else, the expectation is he comes out and he plays to the best of his ability,” coach Robert Saleh said. “Whatever that is, it is, and you’ll be proud of it. We can then find ways to improve from there.”

Translation: While the bandage can always be ripped off in an instant or over a week, it still has to be removed.

LaFleur must create a plan that protects Wilson, but doesn't require him to be. Josh Allen Or Patrick Mahomes. It is not impossible. Pittsburgh is not the Steel Curtain anymore, even without T.J. Watt (broken pectoral muscle). Watt is out of the game, and Steelers are now 0-6.

Here are some thoughts about Wilson's potential impact on the world:

• Escapability. Wilson stated that he does not intend to change his style to protect his knee which he claimed is 100%. Because of his ability to scramble, execute designed runs, and run-pass opportunities (RPOs), Wilson adds an extra dimension to the offense which was not possible due to Flacco's statuary. Wilson isn’t Lamar Jackson (who is?He can still make a move with his legs. Take a look at his performance after the injury last season.

Wilson finished third in quarterback scrambling yards with 157 yards and four touchdowns during Weeks 12-18. It's not surprising that Wilson's best games were during this stretch.

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin explained that they have never faced him in a stadium. “That's life. This happens especially in the first half of the season when guys are being exposed to them for the first time. His mobility is very different. We'll consider how that might impact the play, in schematics and those things that he is capable of creating or extending plays.

Quarterbacks need to be playmakers. See: Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe BurrowThe Jets were frustrated by Wilson's clever pocket movement last week. Wilson could be a good buy for the Jets, as they hope to purchase some time.

• Balanced attack Flacco is the NFL's leading passer with 155 attempts. The Jets were just too happy with Flacco. It is time to slow down and give the ball to their young running backs. Michael Carter And Breece HallThey average 4.9 yards per attempt.

Wilson's return gives LaFleur an opportunity to get back on track to the fundamental principles of his offense, which is strong running and play-action pass. He can also move the pocket, adding bootleg pass and quick screens to his list of playcalls. They are asking for trouble if Wilson is forced to return as much as Flacco.

• Blindside protection McDermott will be the focus, replacing George Fant (knee), who was injured. McDermott is a third string left tackle. His claim to fame in six NFL season is that he caught an NFL-eligible touchdown pass. This is one heckuva grab. The Jets allowed 23 sacks in his six previous starts.

McDermott got unwanted attention on social networks last week for being overmatched on a bag Trey HendricksonHe was not able to play in the preseason because of an ankle injury, so it was his first game action for the season. Due to an ankle injury, he wasn't able to play in the preseason. He was therefore rusty. He will be much more comfortable if he has done a full week's worth of practice reps. It is important to note that he began in a win over Steelers in 2019.

• Two-TE package. This week is the perfect time to unleash your two-tight end offense, which was hyped up in training camp. Tyler Conklin There are 18 catches. C.J. Uzomah A non-factor is a catch that is less than 5 yards.

They are using “12” personnel, which is one RB/two TTEs/two receivers. However, they now need an extra tight end in order to assist McDermott with pass protection. Also, Uzomah should be attached to McDermott’s left side hip, and Wilson's right side.