Under Siege Zach Wilson Has No Shot As New York Jets Stumble In Dallas
The New York Jets proved Sunday afternoon that it didn’t matter who was under center for Gang Green, the Jets’ offensive line can’t protect the quarterback. The Jets gave up…
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 17: Zach Wilson #2 of the New York Jets is sacked by Micah Parsons #11 of the Dallas Cowboys during the first quarter at AT&T Stadium on September 17, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)
The New York Jets proved Sunday afternoon that it didn't matter who was under center for Gang Green, the Jets' offensive line can't protect the quarterback. The Jets gave up three sacks, and 13 pressures against a Dallas Cowboys team that ate them alive in a 30-10 beatdown in Big D.
Zach Wilson, under duress all afternoon, struggled statistically speaking. He completed 12 of 27 passes for 127 yards with a touchdown and three interceptions.
While many will fault Wilson for the three picks, it didn't help matters that Dallas standout Micah Parsons was constantly in the backfield putting pressure on the Jets quarterback. Parsons was recorded with seven pressures, four tackles, and two sacks on the afternoon.
JETS DEFENSE STRUGGLES
Meanwhile, the Jets vaunted defense had no answer for the Cowboys' power and speed. Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott did whatever he wanted to, completing 31 of 38 passes for 255 yards and two scores. Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb had a monster afternoon chewing up the Jets secondary, with 11 catches for 143 yards -- a poor reflection on cornerback Sauce Gardner, who wasn't always matched up with Lamb.
Turning Point:
Perhaps the turning point of the game came moments after Zach Wilson hit Garret Wilson on a 68-yard touchdown pass. The Cowboys had a second and seven at the Jets own 47-yard line. Prescott dropped back and had Lamb in a single coverage with Sauce Garnder. The Jets cornerback timed the throw perfectly, got his hands on the football, and dropped it. Had Gardner caught the ball, he would have scored a touchdown for the Jets.
Instead, the Cowboys and Prescott rebounded, moved the ball with alacrity down the field, and scored a touchdown on Prescott's pass to Luke Schoonmaker to put Dallas up 18-7.
The Jets never recovered.
What's Next?
The Jets don't have much time to lick their wounds. The Jest face the winless New England Patriots on Sunday at MetLife Stadium. Bill Belichick has owned Zach Wilson since he's come into the League.
