New York Jets fans, rejoice. For the first time in a long time, Zach Wilson wasn’t the reason Gang Green lost a football game.
When looking at Wilson’s stat line — 12-of-27 (44.4%) for 170 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions — many will blame the 24-year-old for the Jets 30-10 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday. Upon closer inspection, however, the defeat was hardly his fault.
On the heels of a dominant performance against quarterback Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills in Week 1, the Jets defense practically didn’t show up in Week 2 against one of the best offenses in the NFL. Dallas traveled up and down the field with ease, nearly doubling New York’s plays (83 to 46) and dominating time of possession (42 minutes, 15 seconds to 17 minutes, 45 seconds).
The Jets defense, which set “historical” aspirations and claimed to be the best in the NFL, didn’t force a turnover and registered one sack against Dak Prescott. Head coach Robert Saleh hardly made any adjustments as the game progressed, allowing the Cowboys to convert 9-of-18 (50%) third-down attempts.
Saleh and defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich have strayed from allowing a star defensive player shadow the other team’s top receiver in games, instead putting more trust in their zone-defense scheme. This plan backfired, as Cowboys wideout CeeDee Lamb amassed 143 receiving yards on 11 receptions.
“I didn’t even know he had that many yards,” said Jets star corner Sauce Gardner.
