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New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Don't blame Jets QB Zach Wilson for Week 2 loss to Cowboys

By Matthew Neschis | Last updated 9/18/23

New York Jets fans, rejoice. For the first time in a long time, Zach Wilson wasn't the reason Gang Green lost a football game.

When looking at Wilson's stat line — 12-of-27 (44.4%) for 170 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions — many will blame the 24-year-old for the Jets 30-10 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday. Upon closer inspection, however, the defeat was hardly his fault.

On the heels of a dominant performance against quarterback Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills in Week 1, the Jets defense practically didn't show up in Week 2 against one of the best offenses in the NFL. Dallas traveled up and down the field with ease, nearly doubling New York's plays (83 to 46) and dominating time of possession (42 minutes, 15 seconds to 17 minutes, 45 seconds).

The Jets defense, which set "historical" aspirations and claimed to be the best in the NFL, didn't force a turnover and registered one sack against Dak Prescott. Head coach Robert Saleh hardly made any adjustments as the game progressed, allowing the Cowboys to convert 9-of-18 (50%) third-down attempts.

Saleh and defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich have strayed from allowing a star defensive player shadow the other team's top receiver in games, instead putting more trust in their zone-defense scheme. This plan backfired, as Cowboys wideout CeeDee Lamb amassed 143 receiving yards on 11 receptions.

"I didn't even know he had that many yards," said Jets star corner Sauce Gardner.

Gardner was asked after the game if, in a situation like this, he would ask the coaches to let him travel with a top WR:

“Yeah, definitely. Definitely. … I didn't even know he had that many yards. Honestly. I know we got guys who can cover and who can make plays, so I was on… https://t.co/33DzMDI3Qe
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) September 18, 2023

On offense, the Jets struggled mightily to develop long, balanced drives. Offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett abandoned the run game early, giving Breece Hall only four carries following a game in which the running back accumulated 127 yards rushing. The offensive line proved no match for the fearsome front five of the Cowboys, allowing three sacks and pressure on 53.3% of Wilson's dropbacks.

This might be the most alarming aspect from the #Jets loss to the #Cowboys: Dallas got those sacks (3), hits (5) and pressures (53.3% of drop backs) without even blitzing.

The Cowboys blitzed five times — that's it — against #NYJ, per NextGen. pic.twitter.com/5MCfaZP7Q7
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) September 18, 2023

Hackett made several head-scratching moves, including opting to not double-team Cowboys superstar pass-rusher Micah Parsons — who finished with two sacks and nine pressures — instead placing him in one-on-one matchups with 38-year-old tackle Duane Brown. The decision to hardly play speedster wide receiver Mecole Hardman for a second consecutive week was equally as puzzling.

In the face of adversity, Wilson did just what the Jets asked of him, limiting the mistakes and turnovers for three quarters. The third-year quarterback made several impressive throws and routinely climbed the pocket to avoid sacks and take off for long rushes — something Aaron Rodgers encouraged him to do more of in the offseason. His interceptions came in the final 12 minutes with the Jets already out of contention.

The Jets still have trust in Wilson as they continue to pick up the pieces from Rodgers' season-ending Achilles injury in Week 1. If the team as a whole continues to play as poorly as it did on Sunday, having a four-time MVP still playing likely wouldn't make a difference.

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