Mac Jones shines, Zach Wilson falters in Tom Brady-Aaron Rodgers successor talks

When you take over for someone like Tom Brady or Aaron Rodgers, you have a huge hole to fill. A huge responsibility rests on your shoulders. The New York Jets are in a historic game against the New England Patriots, and one team has bounced back while the other is fumbling.

Mac Jones takes on the starting quarterback role for the first time in 2021, with Zach Wilson assuming the role after his former quarterback suffered a season-ending Achilles tear. The pitch was heating up and there was a lot of catching up to do as the teams headed into half-time.

A tale of two heirs

The stat sheet paints a middling picture of the performance of both successors. Patriots quarterback Mac Jones completed 6 of 11 passes while Jets quarterback Zach Wilson completed just 3 of 7 passes. While Mack can boast a touchdown, Wilson still has to keep A-Rods happy, who is no doubt watching the game keenly from his rehab facility in California.

This game means a lot to Zach because just days ago, his injured quarterback and four-time NFL MVP A-Rods told him to beat the Patriots. Even with two quarters left, Zach seemed to have a hard time beating the Patriots. As of this writing, the Patriots lead 10-3 and the Jets are already frustrated without Rodgers.

After a bloody game against the Dallas Cowboys, Zach Wilson is in desperate need of a win to earn the trust of fans and teammates. There’s a good chance Aaron Rodgers will return to the court before the end of the season. Will Zach Wilson give his mentor a Super Bowl playoff chance? Or will he let him down and see the Jets get defeated?