The Canadian press
Wilson establishes fast connections as the new Jets QB in the first week
NEW YORK – Zach Wilson was busy on the phone his first week as the newest quarterback for the New York Jets. Calls, video chats, texts and social media messages were part of the playbook for the # 2 overall design that doesn’t waste time making a great first impression on their new teammates. “When I spoke to him on the phone, I could tell from what he said that he is like a general,” said the broad recipient Elijah Moore, the selection of the jets in the second round. “He’s super excited to be here too. His passion comes through the phone. “21 year old Wilson understands the task at hand and accepts it wholeheartedly. He’s the blonde, blue-eyed face of a franchise company thirsting to return to seriousness. “He wants to get to know us,” said security guard Alijah Vera-Tucker, number 14 in the overall standings. “Bring us all in and turn this organization around.” The Jets have had the NFL’s longest active playoff drought in 10 seasons – and their search for a consistently successful quarterback has taken decades. Many may see Wilson as a savior. The former BYU star goes step by step, and for now that means building quick relationships with his teammates and coaches. “I think the connection with your boys is very important,” said Wilson on Saturday before his second rookie mini camp practice. “There are more people I want to reach and get to know. “Several veteran players including wide receivers Corey Davis and Denzel Mims, Chris Herndon, center Connor McGovern, punter Braden Mann and defenseman Quinnen Williams have already reached out to Wilson and want to do all they can,” said Wilson, who plans to organize a get-together for the players in the off-season. “It was exciting to get to know all these guys by name and to find the similarities we have. “While Wilson won’t be able to work with veterans until later this month, he’s got plenty of time with the newbies this weekend. “I’m ready to put this helmet on,” said Moore with a smile, “and I’m just ready to see how nice it looks and throw me eggs. “Coach Robert Saleh made it clear to Wilson on a phone call after the Jets selected him last week that it is the responsibility of the entire team to pick him up – and his teammates – and not the other way around. He has repeated this. Wilson also recognizes that from now on all eyes will be on the quarterback. Saleh believes Wilson has some innate traits that allow him to deal with and thrive in that spotlight. “If you have a love of football, go to do all you can to help yourself, not only will you get better at it, but you’ll do everything possible to keep it safe, which means your off.” -the-field stuff is going to be right, “Saleh said, of course, having Zach as quarterback to have that mindset where he’s always trying to find a way to get better is great. “Saleh divided the rookie camp drills into sessions, with offensive and defensive linemen taking the field in the morning and skill players leaving in the afternoon. So it’s a cautious approach as players get used to life in the NFL. What Wilson His practice debut on Friday received positive reviews from Saleh. “He did a really good job,” said the coach. He was in rhythm, he was on time. The players were walking the right routes. The ball was barely on the ground, so it’s been a very, very good first day for him, now all he has to do is stack it up and get better every day. ”That’s the priority for Wilson, who delves into offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur’s playbook to get every aspect of it “The smallest details,” he said, “make the biggest difference.” It seems like a given that Wilson will be the starter in the Jets’ opener season in September, especially if there is currently no e seasoned quarterbacks are on the squad. But he refuses to take anything, not with so much work to do. “Of course it’s important, but that’s not my focus right now,” said Wilson. “My focus is on learning the offense, getting better every day, and doing what I can with the guys around me. And I think the rest will take care of themselves. “This position has to be earned.” NOTES: Wilson wore the number 2 during rookie camp and confirmed that he “most likely” will stick with that jersey number although he is still pondering it. He wore the number 1 at BYU. … Saleh said he spoke to S Marcus Maye, who signed his franchise day a few weeks ago before the off-season program began, and hopes a long-term contract “comes off soon”. Saleh added the front office was “working tirelessly” to make the sides have until July 15th to work out a deal or Maye will play on the day this year and become a free agent after the season. ___ More AP NFL coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL and https: / /twitter.com/AP_NFL Dennis Waszak Jr., The Associated Press
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