Joe Namath Excited for Zach Wilson, Jets WR Hype Continues to Grow

Optimism and anticipation abound, as the start of New York Jets training camp draws ever closer. After last year’s season that was, there is truly nowhere for this franchise to go but up. In addition to the plethora of rookies drawing eyeballs throughout OTAs, several veterans are also grabbing headlines. Even Hall of Fame Jets quarterback Joe Namath makes the cut this week after he shared his excitement for the start of the Zach Wilson era in New York.

Broadway Joe: Jets Fans “Deserve” a Championship

Ever since Joe Namath led the New York Jets to the top of the NFL mountain with a Super Bowl III victory, the franchise has experienced very little success. A few good seasons here and there have repeatedly failed to result in a championship. Instead, the Jets have made a habit of cycling back into rebuild after rebuild.

Since Namath last donned the Gang Green uniform in 1976, the team has cycled through 34 different quarterbacks. As rookie No. 2 overall pick Zach Wilson prepares to become the 35th QB on that list this fall, Broadway Joe shared his excitement for the future. Although he is yet to sit down and speak with Wilson face-to-face, Namath said he has been very impressed with what he has taken in from afar.

Namath Discusses Zach Wilson, Jets Championship Hopes and More

He discussed as much speaking in a telephone interview with the Associated Press:

“But to me, what I’ve watched of him on tape or on television, oh yeah, man, he’s an athlete. He makes the throws, he moves around. A gifted athlete.” 

When asked what advice he might share with Wilson as he embarks on his rookie NFL season, Namath responded:

“It wouldn’t be any negativity about being in New York or in that market. It would be: Get your mind on the team, on the plan and learn as much about the offense and as much about the opposing defense. Just eat, drink and sleep football until you are absolutely convinced you’re ready for anything you’re confronted with on that field.”

Given that Joe Namath remains the only quarterback to take the Jets all the way to a Super Bowl title, he continues to be the measuring stick for all incoming signal-callers that the franchise turns to. The Hall of Famer was quick to point out that New York’s triumph in Super Bowl III went far beyond him:

“And for the Jets fans, man, it’s about a championship. I happened to be on a team that answered the challenge and we got it done. Yes, I happened to be the guy that handled the ball a lot and I’m flattered whenever they remember that. But we did it together. We won a championship. And these fans deserve a championship.”

Could Zach Wilson finally be the next QB to lead the Jets and their fans to that title? Only time will tell, but there is certainly a newfound hope coursing through the fanbase. 

Mike LaFleur Offers High Praise for Corey Davis, Elijah Moore

After the Jets increased their wide receiver payroll drastically this offseason, results are expected immediately. If offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur’s comments are any indication, New York’s passing game could very well be a thing of beauty in 2021. LaFleur recently shared positive remarks for both free-agent signee Corey Davis and rookie Second Round pick, Elijah Moore.

Regarding Davis, LaFleur believes that the 26-year-old’s skill set is the perfect fit in the Jets offense. Davis’ ability to separate from defenders with a single cut is just the beginning. His size and athleticism result in a massive catch radius that figures to mesh perfectly with the arm talent of rookie QB Zach Wilson.

Speaking about Davis recently, LaFleur shared the following:

“Corey could be good in any system,” LaFleur said this week. “He’s really good in this system because he’s got physicality, he’s got size, he can put his foot in the ground, one-foot cut and separate.”

Meanwhile, LaFleur has also been extremely impressed with the work ethic and attention to detail exhibited by Elijah Moore throughout OTAs and minicamp. The former Ole Miss standout saw his draft stock soar prior to being taken by the Jets early in the Second Round. It doesn’t appear that Moore has done anything to make LaFleur and the Jets second-guess the choice thus far. 

Among LaFleur’s comments on Moore:

“This guy wants to be really, really good in this league. “He wants to make a name for himself. He’s so internally motivated and driven.”

LaFleur added that Moore isn’t waiting for next year to make a difference. He wants to contribute and make a name for himself right away in his rookie campaign. Along with Davis, Jamison Crowder, Denzel Mims and Keelan Cole, Moore is part of what is easily the most exciting Jets receiver corps the team has had in years.

Zach Wilson Developing Chemistry with Braxton Berrios in OTAs

Although the Jets wide receiver corps underwent a massive overhaul this offseason, it was actually a holdover from last year’s team that was a popular target for Zach Wilson throughout OTAs. Braxton Berrios made the most of Jamison Crowder’s absence this spring. His efforts drew praise from New York’s rookie quarterback and certainly boosted his chances of making the 53-man roster.

Wilson pointed to Berrios’ football IQ and intelligence as some of his strengths. He also described the 5’ 9”, 190-pound receiver as ‘slippery’. Berrios caught 43 passes for 509 total yards and a trio of touchdowns in Adam Gase’s offense over the last two seasons. Although the new system being implemented by offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur differs dramatically, there are still plenty of route trees that suit Berrios well. If he does in fact make the roster, he will undoubtedly carve out his niche among the Jets’ offensive playmakers.

Updated New York Jets Injury Report

A pair of pass-catchers were officially deemed questionable for the start of training camp this past week. Wide receiver Corey Davis has not been seen at practice since injuring his shoulder during OTAs late last month. He was declared questionable for Day 1 of camp on Saturday. Tight end Chris Herndon received the same designation last Thursday with a hamstring injury.

Refer to the table below for an updated look at all New York Jets injuries and return timetables.

Despite some of the official designations suggesting doubt about training camp participation, head coach Robert Saleh offered a much more optimistic update when speaking to media early last week.