As people across America try to tear down statues, it was the New York Jets that willingly put one up to start the 2022 NFL season. Quarterback Joe Flacco’s wheels not only came off, but appeared to be making a cry for help as the veteran signal caller was forced into action.
Flacco was never supposed to see the field this season, or potentially ever again. But the Super Bowl Champion ended up starting, forced to part with maybe the best job in the entire sport, backup quarterback, due to an injury to Zach Wilson in the preseason.
But the time has now come and Flacco can ride off into the sunset, putting the headset and hoodie back on, protecting himself from potentially ruining his post-NFL life due to injury. When the Jets take the field in Pittsburgh on Sunday, they’ll welcome back Wilson to an offense that has greatly missed him through the first three weeks.
Offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur should be able to use some more designed roll-outs, bootlegs, and Wilson’s athleticism in order to get the offense into a flow it couldn’t establish with the statue-like Flacco under center.
Wilson does not appear to have any limitations with the injured knee, meaning he should still be a threat to scramble, potentially freeing up some of the receivers who haven’t been targeted much so far this season.
Second year receiver Elijah Moore probably stands to benefit most, especially after developing a chemistry with the former BYU star.
There might be concern among the offensive line, with the Jets now way down the depth chart at left tackle, forcing them to look toward the practice squad and free agent pools of players available. Although unclear whether either of the new signings will start, Wilson’s ability to avoid the rush should be enough to keep the game plan from completely imploding.
However, the most important part in all of this is that Jets fans will finally get to see the potential leap Wilson can make in year two. While they watched someone like Trevor Lawrence flourish through the opening part of the schedule, Jets fans were forced to endure two blowout losses at home in possibly the least inspiring, boring way imaginable. For all the potential flaws Wilson has in his game, the one characteristic that isn’t there, is boring.
Expect Tyler Conklin and even maybe C.J. Uzomah to find themselves more involved with Wilson, especially as he eases back into the flow of a regular season NFL game.
Considering the Steelers are still trotting out Mitch Trubisky as the starter this week, we can buy-low on the Jets in Wilson’s return, by betting them at +150 on PointsBet.
For the safer bettors out there that want some added insurance, Caesar’s current line is set at Jets +3 for +100. Based on how both teams are limping/struggling coming into this contest, taking the Jets to stay within a field goal seems like a good bet.
Our best bet at this time though comes from BetMGM, where taking the over 8.5 total first half points for the Jets is -135, meaning a $135 bet will take home an additional $100. Even for what has been a bad offense so far, this number is so low that we have no choice but to take it.