One of the toughest things for a rookie quarterback to deal with is the pressure… both on and off the field. When it comes to the latter, New York Jets QB Zach Wilson had some struggles in 2021.
But it wasn’t all bad. Comparatively, there were some signs of life.
Pro Football Focus ranked every starting quarterback in terms of their ability to pass while under pressure from an opposing defense during last season. Wilson ranked as the QB ninth-most affected by it.
However, the list has several others above Wilson, including multiple other rookies from a year ago.
On Wilson, here’s how the football analytics outlet explained his ability under pressure:
Clean-pocket Passing Grade: 71.4 | Pressured-pocket Passing Grade: 30.4 | Difference: 41.0
The Jets’ rookie quarterback registered the fourth-worst passer rating under pressure of the group (48.6). In these scenarios, he went 34-for-116 — the worst completion percentage (29.3%) of the group. He tied for third with just 27 first downs, and his receivers found the endzone only once when he was under pressure.
Other young quarterbacks ahead of Wilson included the Houston Texans’ Davis Mills (3) and the Chicago Bears’ Justin Fields (4). In addition, the Miami Dolphins’ Tua Tagovailoa (2) did as well in his first year as a full-time starter.
Naturally there is plenty of time for Wilson’s play against pressure to improve.
