Zach Wilson and Mac Jones were both selected in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, but the two quarterbacks had contrasting first seasons. While Jones enjoyed a solid rookie campaign with the New England Patriots, which resulted in a Pro Bowl nod, Wilson struggled immensely after being selected in the second-overall pick by the New York Jets.
The Jets quarterback had issues with consistency and injuries, throwing nine touchdowns and 11 interceptions over the course of the season. He did improve towards the end of the campaign, but could not ultimately improve the Jets’ record beyond 4-13, while one of their victories came with Mike White under centre. Jones on the other hand reached the playoffs with the Patriots, albeit Bill Belichick’s outfit were hammered by the Buffalo Bills in the Wildcard Round.
The selection of two quarterbacks could well be a sliding doors moment for both franchises. Just as the Mo Lewis hit on Drew Bledsoe changed the dynamics of the AFC East for the next 20 years, prompting the arrival of Tom Brady as the Patriots starter and the era of dominance for New England, the landing spots of both Wilson and Jones could define the era.
Jones undoubtedly was placed into a better situation with Belichick and his experience compared to Wilson and the Jets. New York have been plagued with quarterbacks who have disappointed due to their performances on the field or injury, dating all the way back to the retirement of Joe Namath, who delivered the only successful season in Jets’ history in 1969.
Wilson is not only battling his opponents, but also the legacy of failure that has hung over the Jets for the past 50 years. This is highlighted by their online betting odds to win the AFC East in the 2022 campaign, being backed at +2200 compared to the +500 odds available on the Patriots.
The 22-year-old was not helped by a lack of receiving talent in the 2021 season, but he now has support in the ranks after the arrival of Garrett Wilson in the 2022 NFL Draft, while the improvement of Elijah Moore and Corey Davis in their second year in the Jets’ system will also strengthen their hand. Wilson has raw ability that Jones does not possess, boasting a bullet arm and speed in the backfield.
However, he has some ground to make up regarding his decision-making where New York will be looking for the quarterback to take a dramatic step forward in his sophomore term. If Wilson can do that, then the future of the Jets looks a lot more optimistic than the 2021 season would suggest.
Jones on the other hand has a more limited skillset. The Patriots did not add a lot of talent around the quarterback, who has a decent arm, but nothing out of the ordinary. Jones was very much dependent on his receivers’ ability to break tackles after the catch last season.
New England will be anticipating a similar campaign from the quarterback, who does fit the new mold of players emerging from the position out of the college ranks. He is a safe pair of hands and will not make mistakes, and while Belichick will be hopeful that he has found a player comparable to Brady, Jones looks equivalent to Alex Smith and Jimmy Garoppolo. Their limitations have been evident in their NFL careers, and it could be the same story for the Patriots and Jones.
Although the 2021 campaign was seen as a contrast for the Patriots and the Je