First half thoughts: Jets frustrating Mac Jones, Zach Wilson stepping up…except at end of half

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In a battle of two quarterbacks that have not fared well under pressure this season, one quarterback has risen to the occasion while the other has eaten grass a couple of times.

Jets quarterback Zach Wilson had himself a very nice first half…except for the end of the first half, when Wilson threw an interception that derailed what was a great drive and likely going to be points before the end of the half. Killer penalty,

Still, Wilson already has more passing yards today (152) than he had against the Broncos (121) and the Packers (110). He is 10/18 with one touchdown and an interception. His QB rating is 78.9.

Garrett Wilson has 89 of those yards on five catches, as the Jets have started using him again more stretching the defense. Michael Carter also has five catches for 29 yards and Tyler Conklin has four catches for 34 yards and the touchdown.

On the flip side, Mac Jones has already been sacked three times and has an interception, thanks to Bryce Huff tipping the ball and landing in the hands of Michael Carter II. Jones is 13/20 for 122 yards and has a QB rating of 60.8. However, he has made some nice throws on third down, which continues to be the Achilles heel for the Jets. The Patriots are 6/11 on third down so far today. (Jets are 3/7.)

Jones was also bailed out as a roughing the passer penalty on John Franklin-Myers (who has one of the three sacks, along with Carl Lawson and Nathan Shepherd) wiped out what would have been an 84-yard pick-six for Carter II.

Despite all that and the key miscues (Wilson INT, Franklin-Myers penalty), the Jets lead the Patriots, 10-6. The Jets already have nine tackles for a loss and four passes defended. They have held the Patriots to 60 yards rushing on 17 carries.

By the way, for those wondering, in the Mims vs. Moore snap battle, Mims has 20 snaps while Moore has just four. Even Jeff Smith has more snaps (5) than Moore. Take that how you will.

The Jets will be on defense to start the second half.

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