Jets' Zach Wilson: I've Been 'Trying to Copy Every Little Thing' Aaron Rodgers Does

New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson believes that what he has learned from Aaron Rodgers will have him ready to lead the team successfully in 2023.

The 2021 No. 2 pick has had a difficult start to his career and was demoted to backup after New York acquired Rodgers in the offseason. Following the legendary signal-caller's Week 1 season-ending Achilles injury, Wilson is tasked with leading the team and said he has done his best to emulate what Rodgers can do on the gridiron.

"I feel like I've been trying to copy every little thing he's doing, from his footwork to the coaching tips he has given us," Wilson said, per Rich Cimini of ESPN.com. "He's done an amazing job, more than we could ask for as quarterbacks."

Wilson entered the Jets' Week 1 matchup after Rodgers suffered the injury and the Jets went on to win 22-16 in overtime. Still, his play wasn't necessarily the reason the Jets grabbed the victory.

Wilson went 14-of-21 for 141 yards with a touchdown and an interception in relief, taking two sacks. The Jets climbed back by capitalizing on mistakes made by Josh Allen, but Wilson's concerning track record does not project well for a breakout season.

He is 8-14 as a starter with 16 touchdowns and 19 interceptions. The Jets acquired Rodgers to improve the quarterback play and hopefully provide a mentor to Wilson, but the aspiration to have the latter back in the starting role is certainly coming much quicker than expected.

Wilson is still just 24 years old with solid potential, but he will need to show vast improvement to lead the Jets anywhere significant. He does sound revitalized, stating that he is having fun again playing football.

"The stress of things sometimes can make you not love [football]," Wilson said, per Cimini. "This year, it's been: How can I spend more time with my teammates and coaches rather than focusing on being hard on myself? ... Now I'm just having tons of fun."

The Jets still have a very strong roster, headlined by playmakers like running back Dalvin Cook and wide receiver Garrett Wilson on offense and cornerback Sauce Gardner on defense. They will look to build on the Week 1 win Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys.