Wilson ‘super excited’ as Jets, Pats face off for AFC East lead
>>LOS ANGELES: New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson is eager for a chance to turn the tables on the New England Patriots today, with first place in the NFL’s AFC East on the line.
Wilson took plenty of heat after throwing three interceptions in the Jets’ 22-17 loss to the Patriots on Oct 30 — New York’s 13th straight setback against New England.
The Jets rebounded with a victory over Buffalo in which New York’s defence and run game dominated. And Wilson can’t wait for a chance to prove his doubters wrong.
“Yeah, it was frustrating for me,” Wilson said. “My mindset this week is one play at a time, how can I make the best decision on the play, not having to make a big play and trusting in my guys. I am super excited.”
Against the Bills, Wilson completed 18 of 25 passes for 154 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions.
Jets head coach Robert Saleh said the team had faith that he could deliver a similarly solid performance today.
While critics outside the club might be “holding him hostage to four, five plays that he had against New England,” Saleh said, the Jets are not.
“Internally, I think everybody’s got a lot of faith in Zach to be able to run this offence and get the ball where it needs to get to and do it in an efficient manner. I do think that if we do need to put it on his back and put it on our receivers backs and put it on the O-line to protect, I think we’re capable of doing that,” Saleh said.
“But when you start slinging it around and you ask the quarterback to play 60 plays a game, they’re going to make mistakes.”
New England’s Gillette Stadium has been less than hospitable for Wilson and the Jets. That’s where Wilson suffered a knee injury last season.
A victory would move the Jets into first place in the division. The last time they topped the standings in week 10 or later in the season was in 2010.
“This is another challenge,” Wilson said. “A big divisional game for us.
“It’s not necessary that I have to prove anything or do something different. Just progress.”
This weekend’s slate also features the San Francisco 49ers taking on the Arizona Cardinals at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City tomorrow night.
The game will be the fifth NFL regular season game in Mexico, and the fifth and final international game of 2022.
Among the week’s other games, the Philadelphia Eagles will seek to bounce back from their first defeat of the season — a loss on Monday to the Washington Commanders — when they visit Indianapolis.
The Commanders, meanwhile, travel to the Houston Texans aiming to avoid a letdown.
Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs try to double down against Justin Herbert and the hosts LA Chargers.
The champs Rams expect to have quarterback Matthew Stafford back when they visit New Orleans. AFP