Ex-Jets' franchise quarterback dominates in Denver's exhibition win

08-26-2024
3 min read
© Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Believe it, or not, there has been new life for quarterback Zach Wilson following his tumultuous New York Jets' tenure.

After benching their former franchise field general for the second year in a row, the Jets traded Wilson to the Denver Broncos in April. Although rookie Bo Nix has been named Denver's Week 1 starter, Wilson has seemingly rediscovered the form that enticed New York to draft the BYU product with the No. 2 overall pick in 2021.

The 25-year-old Wilson wowed viewers during the Broncos' preseason finale on Sunday. He went 16-of-25 passing for 251 yards and two touchdowns in a 38-12 triumph over the Arizona Cardinals.

Overall, it's been a highly productive three-game stretch for Wilson this summer. The bounce-back candidate averaged 9.0 yards per pass to go with three touchdowns and no interceptions. He completed 63.6 percent of passes while accounting for a 115.4 quarterback rating.

Although he mostly struggled behind a patchwork offensive line, and never had the opportunity to "sit and learn" behind a veteran quarterback, Wilson pitched an occasional gem during his tenure as a Jet. In week 14 last year, his 300-yard passing effort spearhead a 30-6 win over the AFC South champion Houston Texans.

Wilson went 27-of-36 passing for 301 yards and two touchdowns against the Texans. Earlier in the 2023 campaign, he played turnover-free football while throwing for 245 yards and two touchdowns against the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs.

Over 34 appearances with Gang Green, Wilson registered a 57.0 completion percentage, 23 TD passes and 25 interceptions. 

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