Zach Wilson does not have to lead the New York Jets to victory on Sunday afternoon against the defending NFC Champion Philadelphia Eagles to have a successful game. Wilson just can't be the obvious reason that Gang Green loses.

HOT 99.1 logo
Get our free mobile app

Even prior to the season, with Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers scheduled to be behind center for New York, the Jets did not expect to beat the Eagles. Could it happen? Definitely. It still can but this was not a game that head coach Robert Saleh, GM Joe Douglas or anyone else around the team circled as a win.

Getty Images
Getty Images
loading...

The Philadelphia Eagles come to MetLife on Sunday with a perfect 5-0 record. Yes, All-Pro quarterback Jalen Hurts and his arsenal of offensive weapons will certainly be a handful for Robert Saleh's stout defense but it will be the Eagles' defense that may reveal the most out of this match-up. Led by Jalen Carter, Nicholas Morrow and Haason Reddick, Philadelphia's defense has racked up 15 sacks and 12 forced fumbles, with six resulting in turnovers. Those are worrisome numbers when the next quarterback they face is Zach Wilson.

Getty Images
Getty Images
loading...

How the Saleh and offensive coordinator Nate Hackett handle #2, will be the key. Wilson has to show that the Jets do not have to go into an ultra conservative game plan when they face defenses like Philadelphia. The Eagles only have 2 interceptions this year and have injuries in their defensive backfield. There is little doubt that New York will struggle running the ball, if they can't pass, you might as well end the game before it starts.

Getty Images
Getty Images
loading...

On Sunday, Wilson has to show the Jets (and their fans) that he can stand in the pocket under pressure and quickly release accurate passes. The Jets have to be able to utilize their talented receiving corp to move the football and get first downs. That, in-turn, will open some running lanes for running back Breece Hall.

Getty Images
Getty Images
loading...

An entire game of "three and out's" for the Jets offense will not cut it. Again, Wilson doesn't have to win the game but he has to prove, for the third game in a row, that he can compete at the NFL level. Zach Wilson and Robert Saleh did not compete against the New England Patriots and barely against the Cowboys. If Wilson and the Jets can compete with the Eagles on Sunday, maybe New York's AFC team will at least have competent back-up QB, if-and-when Aaron Rodgers returns.

Getty Images
Getty Images
loading...

Study Names 2023's Ten Worst 'Small Cities' in Upstate New York

A study ranked every "small city" in America, and while Saratoga Springs was named one of the country's best, these NY cities were a few of the country's worst.

Gallery Credit: Dan Bahl

Help The FBI Solve These Eight Open Investigations in New York State

The FBI Albany Field Office has a number of on-going investigations currently happening in the State Capital, and some of the details of the crimes are chilling.

Gallery Credit: Dan Bahl

Ten Best Photos of Fans from Upstate NY and Beyond at Bills' London Game

Fans from Buffalo, Upstate NY and beyond met at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London to watch the Bills play the Jaguars, and these were ten of the best photos.

Gallery Credit: Dan Bahl