In a revealing interview on Denver Sports, NFL legend Peyton Manning expressed his frustration with the New York Jets’ approach to developing young quarterback Zach Wilson. Manning, a two-time Super Bowl champion, criticized the Jets for their frequent changes in offensive coordinators during Wilson’s tenure.
“The best way to screw a young quarterback up is to change coordinators on him every single year, and it drives me crazy,” Manning said, stressing the importance of system continuity for quarterback development.
This sentiment was echoed during Manning’s reflections on his career, where he enjoyed a stable relationship with his longtime coordinator, Tom Moore, at the Indianapolis Colts. He contrasted this with Wilson’s situation, where the young QB worked under different coordinators who operated varying systems, a scenario that arguably hindered his growth.
New York Jets’ Quarterback Carousel
Wilson’s rocky journey with the Jets was further complicated by the team’s decision to play him as a rookie, a move that was later questioned by Jets head coach Robert Saleh and criticized by ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky.
As the Jets moved on from Mike LaFleur to Nathaniel Hackett in early 2023, hopes were high with Hackett’s prior connection to star quarterback Aaron Rodgers. However, following Rodgers’ injury early in the season, both Hackett and Wilson struggled to find success.
The recent trade sending Wilson to the Denver Broncos marks a fresh start for the quarterback, under the guidance of respected head coach Sean Payton. Manning, who himself found renewed success after moving to Denver late in his career, sees this as a positive step for Wilson.
“I think for Zach, a reboot is good. Let’s just sort of start over, right? And let’s just let Sean Payton and his staff coach you and kind of start from ground zero,” Manning remarked.
Thank you, @ZachWilson 🙏 pic.twitter.com/sFMr5xviYn
— New York Jets (@nyjets) April 23, 2024
Zach Wilson’s Future in Denver: Uncertain but Hopeful
Despite the potential for a career reboot in Denver, Wilson’s future remains uncertain. The upcoming NFL Draft could see the Broncos selecting a new quarterback, which might limit Wilson’s opportunities even as a backup. Manning, however, shared that Wilson is excited about his new chapter. “He sounds excited to be here, so hopefully it’ll be a good fit,” said Manning, who has reached out to Wilson following the trade.
As Wilson adapts to his new surroundings in Denver, the NFL community and fans will be keen to see if a stable system under Sean Payton can unlock the potential that made him a high draft pick. While the road ahead is fraught with challenges, the change in scenery and coaching could be the key to revitalizing Wilson’s young career.
Source: Yardbarker
