Zach Wilson Struggles, Throw INTs During New York Jets’ Green & White Practice

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Former BYU quarterback Zach Wilson struggled and threw a pair of interceptions during the New York Jets’ Green & White practice.

The Jets held their preseason Green vs. White practice at MetLife Stadium on Saturday, August 7.

Wilson experienced adversity during his debut to Jets fans at their home stadium.

Almost 20,000 people attended the Green & White practice, many fans presumably came to get their first look at the rookie Jets quarterback out of BYU.

Wait for @BigTicket73 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/BwX2a5veyg

— New York Jets (@nyjets) August 7, 2021

ESPN’s Rich Cimini reported that Wilson and New York’s offense struggled throughout the practice and the former BYU gunslinger threw a couple of interceptions.

Shaky night for Wilson: 11-for-24, 112 yards, two INTs.

Seven drives, 1 FG. Both picks came when throwing to Crowder over the middle. #Jets

— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) August 8, 2021

After the practice, Wilson spoke about his performance.

“Not great,” Wilson said. “I have high expectations for myself and this offense. I have to lead the guys and I have to make better decisions. That’s why this isn’t Game 1; that’s why we’re doing this. I understand that. Of course I’m going to be frustrated with myself, but I’m going back to the film room and find out what I can learn.”

Zach Wilson says he was "not great" in tonight's scrimmage:

"I have high expectations for myself and for this offense, and I've got to lead those guys. I've got to make better decisions. That's why this isn't game one, that's why we're doing this." pic.twitter.com/INykztqOaQ

— Jets Videos (@snyjets) August 8, 2021

Wilson’s head coach, Robert Saleh, also commented on the quarterback’s play.

“The biggest learning jump for him was that it was under the lights, there was a bigger crowd,” Saleh said. “It wasn’t necessarily a bigger moment, because you want them all to be the same, but I’m sure the young man wanted to do his absolute best. There are a lot of things he can take from this one, and it will be awesome to see him grow from it.”

WATCH LIVE: Coach Saleh speaks to the media following Green & White https://t.co/KJvRvmarFW

— New York Jets (@nyjets) August 8, 2021

Like the rookie quarterback, the Jets coaching staff is in their first season with the organization. Both parties are using the preseason to tune things up before the regular season kicks off in September.

“It’s all part of the process,” Wilson continued. “We’re all learning. I’ve got to make better some decisions, but I know I can learn from all those. This is the reason we do this sort of thing.”

Wilson on his performance: “Not great. I have high expectations …” Says he’s “frustrated,” but will learn from mistakes. #Jets pic.twitter.com/1VOnw4GZOc

— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) August 8, 2021

“There was no one to turn to for him to talk to,” Saleh added. “To have that experience, and to be able to go through it all, these moments are priceless for him. He had some good moments and, obviously, he had some rookie moments.”

It’s great to be back pic.twitter.com/Ac4fUB99bI

— Woody Johnson (@woodyjohnson4) August 8, 2021

Cimini reported that despite the struggles, fans in the crowd didn’t boo the players during the practice.

New York’s first preseason game is against fellow MetLife Stadium team, the New York Giants. The Giants host the Jets on Saturday, August 14 at 5:30 p.m. (MDT).

Kyle Ireland is a Locals in the NFL Insider for sports.ksl.com and host of the Yards After College Podcast. Follow him on Twitter (@kyleireland) and Instagram (@kyleirelandksl).

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