When the New York Jets selected Zach Wilson with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 draft, he was already being looked at as possibly the next big thing that could turn a struggling franchise around.
Wilson’s first year did not go expected on not just the overall record, but his play on the field.
On Wednesday, former Jets superstar Joe Namath joined The Michael Kay Show to discuss Wilson’s future as an NFL QB and he was pretty harsh with his assessment.
“He certainly has the physical ability to buy time, to throw strikes. Most guys can improve on their accuracy and should in this day and age practicing it year-round. I like him, but I don’t know how long he’s going to last. You’d like for a guy to be 6-6, 6-7 back there in the pocket. School’s still out on how Zach’s going to do.
I think there’s a side of school that’s still out, a side that’s still out. We’ve got to see more, but the other thing is, I know it takes a group. Zach couldn’t perform at his best for a couple reasons. He’s not there yet, certainly, and it was new for him and his team is not that solid. He needs more help around him. With help around him, it’s amazing how much better a guy can play.”
The responses from Jets fans are all you need to know n how they felt about Namath’s comments:
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“Noted 6’2” Joe Namath believes all QBs should be small forwards,” one wrote.
“Tall QB are a thing of the past. The athleticism of defenses are too elite these days. Need shifty QBs in the pocket, not tall redwood trees that are easy targets for sacks,” another added.
“Well he loved Darnold so this might be a good thing,” another said.
Wilson isn’t the biggest quarterback, but there are plenty of examples of quarterbacks his side are smaller than have had success in the league — Aaron Rodgers (6’2″), Russell Wilson (5’11”) and more.
Over the entire season, Wilson finished with 2,334 passing yards, nine passing touchdowns, 11 interceptions, and a 69.7 passer rating.
