NFL: Rookie Zach Wilson suffers tough start to New York Jets career

Rookie Zach Wilson had a rough start in his first game with the New York Jets as he threw three interceptions in his first five attempts in the first half against New England Patriots on Sunday. In both the second and fourth offensive moves, Wilson’s first two attempts were intercepted. 

The quarterback rookie is the first player since at least 2000 to throw multiple interceptions in his first five attempts of a game, according to The Athletic’s reports.

J.C. Jackson intercepted his first pass, which was meant for Corey Davis. On his second effort, he attempted to locate Davis, but a high throw slid past Davis’ hands and into the arms of a diving Adrian Phillips.

Wilson bounced back to assist the Jets with a field goal on their third possession, but he made a crucial blunder in the second quarter when he floated a throw right to Jackson.

The Jets were smashed by the New England Patriots 3-22 in Sunday’s game. 

Wilson, the No. 2 overall choice in the 2021 NFL Draft, had only three interceptions in 336 throw attempts at BYU last season.

Wilson completed 3-of-7 passes for 45 yards and three interceptions in the first half. He’s the first quarterback since Geno Smith threw three interceptions in his first eight attempts while playing for the Jets in a Week 8 defeat to the Buffalo Bills in 2014.

The quarterback entered Sunday’s matchup missing a starter on his offensive line with left tackle Mekhi Becton sidelined for at least a month with a knee injury. George Fant is sliding over from the right tackle, while Morgan Moses will start on the other side.

Patriots started right tackle Trent Brown began after he left their opener with a right calf injury.