Jets' Zach Wilson 'unbelievable' in winning return as starter - ESPN

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Benched three times in his career and dismissed by fans and media as a first-round bust, New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson delivered the kind of performance Sunday that was envisioned for him as the No. 2 pick in 2021.

«Zach was unbelievable,» coach Robert Saleh said after the Jets snapped a five-game losing streak with a 30-6 rout of the Houston Texans at a rainswept MetLife Stadium.

Back in the lineup after a two-game benching, Wilson passed for 301 yards and two touchdowns, posting career bests for passer rating (117.9) and completion percentage (75%). It was his third 300-yard passing day in 32 starts, but his first in a victory. Saleh called it the best game of Wilson's career, and it left teammates buzzing about his resilience.

They described an unburdened Wilson, who, frustrated by the way he has been treated by the organization, vowed to teammates that he'd play with a chip on his shoulder and for the team. That resonated in the locker room.

«He told me, 'I'm playing for y'all. I've got nothing to lose,'» cornerback D.J. Reed said. «He said, 'What's the worst that can happen, I get benched again?' That's what he said and that's the way he played. It showed.»

Guard Laken Tomlinson said, «He said it early this week: F it. Go out there and have some fun. Leave it all out there.»

Wilson was Aaron Rodgers-esque over the final 30 minutes in tough conditions. After throwing for only 92 yards in the first half — the score was 0-0 at halftime — Wilson was 18-for-21 for 209 yards and two touchdowns in the second half, his highest yardage in any half of his career.

Offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett opened up the game plan, allowing Wilson to come out throwing. Wilson led touchdown drives on