New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson (2) reacts after an incomplete pass during the second quarter against the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium. Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

It's time for Jets fans to worry about QB Zach Wilson

By Nathaniel Griffee | Last updated 10/31/22

Zach Wilson's performance against the Patriots should be causing alarms to ring at One Jets Drive.

In the two previous games, against Green Bay and Denver, the Jets' QB threw for 231 yards total and no TD passes. Criticism of his play, however, seemed unwarranted because he had no turnovers against strong passing defenses.

On Sunday, though, Wilson threw three of the ugliest interceptions you'll ever see, essentially losing the game for the Jets, 22-17.

Film view of Zach Wilson's 3 interceptions

There are interceptions... and then there are *bad* interceptions.

All 3 of these are the latter. pic.twitter.com/zIBwIONE8O
— Michael Nania (@Michael_Nania) October 31, 2022

On the interceptions, Wilson's mechanics and processing were flawed. His footwork Sunday was atrocious at times.

That was the main cause of his first interception. Rather than stepping up into the pocket, Wilson inexplicably drifted backward, throwing off his back foot to an open tight end, causing the throw to sail into the arms of a Patriots defender.

When Wilson steps up and gets his feet set, he is a decent quarterback. In Sunday's game, he was 19-for-27 for 268 yards for one touchdown and one interception when he wasn't under pressure. When he was pressured, however:

The #Jets O-Line allowed 13 pressures, and 10 of them were allowed by the offensive tackles — 5 each for Duane Brown and Cedric Ogbuehi.

Zach Wilson was 4/14 for 87 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT and a 37.2 rating when pressured.

(per TruMedia)
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) October 30, 2022

The Jets' injury-riddled offensive line has not been great, but Wilson often doesn't step up into clean pockets. This makes it harder for the line to protect him and invites pressure. It also leads to Wilson forcing more difficult throws. Former Jets and current NFL analyst Leger Douzable explains:

Just want to see the kid, step up into the pocket, this isn't a beat Zach up session. pic.twitter.com/c1VpswMrsy
— Leger Douzable (@LegerDouzable) October 31, 2022

Wilson can be a good QB if he sets his feet before passing and learns to throw the ball away when there's nothing to be had. He has the arm talent and ability to make throws when given time.

If his play Sunday becomes a trend, Jets fans should panic.

More must-reads: