Zach Wilson was not happy with the play-calling during the first quarter of Sunday’s game between the New York Jets and Giants. His body language said everything that needed to be said.
Offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett put a big emphasis on Breece Hall early. The Jets saw their first three drives end with a pair of punts and a fumble.
Hall was targeted three times and received four carries on the first 10 plays of the game. It was not working. Wilson was frustrated.
He handed the ball off to Hall on first down of the Jets’ second drive. The run play went nowhere.
Behind the line of scrimmage, after seeing his ball-carrier get stopped for no gain, Wilson was unable to hide the fact that he was irritated. New York’s 24-year-old quarterback threw up his hands and shook his head. His reaction was very clearly captured by the CBS broadcast.
Although the Hall-focused offense did not work right away, he made a lot of Giants defenders miss on a 50-yard catch-and-run that resulted in the only touchdown of the first half. Meanwhile, Wilson showed flashes of what he can do by making an incredible throw to Allen Lazard, who dropped the pass.
The entire first half was infuriating for both teams. The Jets went into the locker room with a 7-3 lead.
Although Wilson had every right to feel exasperation, he needs to work on his body language. A starting quarterback in the NFL needs to be a leader and lift up his team, not show frustration.
Especially for someone like Wilson, who has had a tumultuous career. The Jets have given him plenty of grace through his struggles. He wouldn’t even start if not for an injury to Aaron Rodgers.
Perhaps Zach Wilson should be more positive!