Break out some salt for this column, Jets supporters, because what’s to follow may require a grain or two sprinkled over it.
Zach Wilson has been absolutely killing it in practice this week.
Been slinging the ball all around the field. Smiling. Joking together with his teammates. Having more fun than he’s had in his three seasons with team which have included three benchings, more losses (20) than wins (11) and more interceptions (25) than touchdown passes (21).
This report comes from his offensive teammates with whom The Post spoke after Thursday’s practice in preparation for Sunday’s game against the Texans at MetLife Stadium.
The player feedback on Wilson’s third profession comeback from being benched was so unanimously positive it left me to wonder how the Jets aren’t going to attain as many points against the Texans because the 45 they’ve produced previously five games (all losses).
“I believe you’re going to see an excellent version of Zach Wilson in these next five games,’’ tight end Tyler Conklin said. “He was throwing the ball rather well today. He made some good reads, had a pair nice no-look [passes].’’
Conklin is probably the most accountable players within the Jets’ locker room, and he made it his point to say that the offense’s struggles (10 total touchdowns in 12 games this season) mustn’t rest entirely on the shoulders of Wilson, the No. 2 overall pick within the 2021 draft.
Conklin, too, was considered one of various players we spoke to who left the clear impression that the players remain behind Wilson, that he hasn’t lost the respect of the locker room despite the Monday report that he was “reluctant’’ to return to the sector — a report Wilson vehemently denied Wednesday.
If anything, it felt just like the players contained in the locker room were doubling down on their support of Wilson. Unless these players are excellent actors or future politicians, the vibe inside that room was of considered one of players outwardly rooting for Wilson to succeed.
“The offense has been struggling, but we’ve struggled as a collective,’’ Conklin said. “I believe Zach has actually this yr been playing a ton higher than he did last yr. But as a collective [unit], we haven’t been excellent and all of it just fell on him.
“The most effective part about it’s he has five games to go on the market and let it loose, be as relaxed as possible. The worst has already happened for him. He’s had a troublesome go for 3 years. So, he just has to go on the market and let it go. I’m glad he’s getting one other likelihood to go on the market and play.’’
Conklin is just not alone with those thoughts.
“He’s got nothing to lose,’’ tackle Max Mitchell said. “He’s out here playing for himself, playing for us.’’
On Wednesday, Wilson said his mantra for these final five games — almost actually the ultimate five he’ll play in a Jets uniform — was to have “fun.’’
“This being his second or third likelihood at coming back like this [after being benched], he’s like — forgive my French — but, ‘You recognize what? F–k it. Let’s just do it. Let’s just prove some extent.’ He’s got nothing to lose, so he’s on the market trying prove to the organization and us that he’s who he’s — he’s our QB1.’’
Like Conklin and another teammates, Mitchell has seen a unique Wilson in practice this week.
“Originally of the week when he began taking [first-team] reps again, it felt just a little different,’’ Mitchell said. “He had some really good throws today. On a few them, I type of looked around and was like, ‘Wow, those were pretty rattling good throws.’ He just looked good.’’
Receiver Allen Lazard concurred.
“He seems far more relaxed and loose since being benched, understanding that he’s only got a couple of weeks here left so go and take advantage of it,’’ Lazard said.
“He’s had a hell of per week of practice, turning it loose, having fun, putting us in one of the best position to succeed making checks,’’ running back Dalvin Cook said. “He was playing ball, having fun. We’re all just having fun. We’ve got nothing to lose at this point. We’re going to shoot our bullets. I feel like that’s everyone’s mindset immediately.’’
Guard Laken Tomlinson described Wilson as “fired up’’ this week and said, “His energy is contagious. Having him on the market fired up and assured gives us some juice.’’
“I’ve been with Zach the last two years and his development from last yr to this yr has just been unreal. His maturity, his confidence level, the best way he carries himself and the best way he commands the huddle is one hundred pc higher. You possibly can tell he’s grown tremendously.’’
Perhaps we’ll see that Sunday against the Texans. Perhaps we won’t. Either way, you may put the salt shakers away for now.
