Zach Wilson Throws Touchdown Pass In Jets’ Overtime Win Over Bills
Sep 11, 2023, 9:27 PM | Updated: 9:34 pm
(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – Former BYU quarterback Zach Wilson replaced an injured Aaron Rodgers and threw a touchdown pass in the New York Jets‘ season-opening victory over the Buffalo Bills.
The Jets hosted the Bills at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Monday, September 11.
With 4:55 remaining in the fourth quarter, Wilson connected with Wilson for three yards and six points.
Garrett Wilson encouraging Zach Wilson on the sidelines 👏 pic.twitter.com/WYZBPiyINt
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) September 12, 2023
The former Ohio State receiver made a spectacular catch on the throw by the former BYU standout.
The Wilson-Wilson connection helped tie the game at 13-13.
.@ZachWilson tosses a touchdown pass to Garrett Wilson, who makes an UNREAL catch. 🤯#LocalsInTheNFL #NFL #TakeFlight #BUFvsNYJ #BYUFOOTBALL @kslsports pic.twitter.com/GePRzFbgGo
— Kyle Ireland (@kyleireland) September 12, 2023
Wilson’s throw capped an eight-play, 57-yard drive that took 4:48.
After the score, Wilson was 14/21 passing for 140 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He also had two carries for five yards.
The Jets went on to win in overtime, 22-16.
"My job is to close the gap and how close can I be to Aaron Rodgers. I'm going to keep working on that every single week"
Zach Wilson spoke to @JeaneCoakley about the emotions of the Jets' win, the defense's performance, and what it was like to step in for Aaron Rodgers pic.twitter.com/LYob2Rwgpe
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) September 12, 2023
Wilson finished the game 14/21 passing for 140 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He also ran the ball four times for six yards. Wilson was sacked twice and posted a rating of 81.4.
#Jets coach Robert Saleh on Zach Wilson tonight: "I thought he was awesome."
And now, barring a surprise on Aaron Rodgers' MRI or a veteran acquisition, Wilson is QB1 — again.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 12, 2023
New York’s next game is on the road against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, September 17 at 2:25 p.m. (MDT) on CBS.
About Zach Wilson
Before his time in the NFL, the Corner Canyon High School product had a standout career at BYU. Wilson helped the Cougars to an 11-1 record during his final season in Provo.
Following his college career, the Jets selected Wilson with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
During the quarterback’s rookie season, Wilson missed four games due to a knee injury. He finished the year throwing for 2,334 yards, nine touchdowns, and 11 interceptions with a 55.6 completion rate.
Before his second season, the former BYU star underwent surgery after suffering a knee injury in New York’s preseason opener. Without Wilson, the Jets opened the 2022 season with a 1-2 record. After returning, the Jets posted a 5-2 record before Wilson was benched for the first time. After a month on the sidelines, Wilson returned to action for a couple of contests before he was benched again.
TD pass No. 1 this season for @ZachWilson. ✈️#LocalsInTheNFL #NFL #TakeFlight #NYJvsPIT #BYU #GoCougs #BYUFOOTBALL @kslsports pic.twitter.com/q29Y0NHjAu
— Kyle Ireland (@kyleireland) October 2, 2022
Last season, the Jets posted a 7-10 record and missed the NFL Playoffs.
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Wilson finished the 2022 season having thrown for 1,688 yards, six touchdowns, and seven interceptions with a 54.5 percent completion rate. He has a rating of 72.9 and a QBR of 37.1. The Jets missed the playoffs with a 7-10 record.
During his first two seasons in the league, Wilson passed for 4,022 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 18 interceptions. He also ran for 287 yards and five touchdowns.
Kyle Ireland is a Sports Producer and Locals in the NFL Insider for KSLSports.com. He’s also co-host of the Yards After College Podcast. Follow him on X/Twitter (@kyleireland), Instagram (@kyleirelandksl), and Threads (@kyleirelandksl).