NOTE: This story has been updated to include Monday night’s games.
PROVO, Utah, Dec. 10, 2023 (Gephardt Daily) — Zach Wilson played the best game of his three-year NFL career in his return to the New York Jets’ starting lineup Sunday.
The former BYU and Corner Canyon High School quarterback completed 27 of 36 passes for 301 yards and two touchdowns in a 30-6 victory over the Houston Texans. He finished with a career-best 117.9 passer rating, surpassing his 105.2 rating vs. the Chiefs in Week 4.
“[It was] his best game as a professional,” Jets head coach Robert Saleh said. “He made things happen. I thought he was outstanding today.”
It was the third 300-yard passing game for the No. 2 overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft. Aside from his third-quarter fumble, Wilson was stellar in the second half and outplayed Texans QB C.J. Stroud, who left the game late with a concussion.
“Winning is always fun,” Wilson said after the game. “That’s what we want every game to look like. We always go in with the expectation to do that; that’s our goal every week. Everyone did a great job coming together, we played for each other and we’ve got each other’s backs. I’m proud of the guys.”
After being benched and spending two games as the Jets’ third-string/emergency QB, Wilson was elevated back into the starting lineup vs. the Texans and made the most of the opportunity.
“I love this game. I love to compete. I love the thrill of making big throws and winning games. It’s exciting when we’re able to do that as a unit. It makes it easy to ignore the noise when you do,” he said.
Here’s a look at how pro Cougars fared in Week 14:
Tyler Allgeier, RB, Atlanta Falcons
Allgeier gained 40 yards on nine rushing attempts in the Falcons’ 29-25 loss to the Buccaneers.
Zayne Anderson, CB, Green Bay Packers
The former BYU and Stansbury High School star was active for the Packers’ 24-22 loss to the Giants on Monday night.
Michael Davis, CB, Los Angeles Chargers
Davis collected his first interception this season and the eighth of his seven-year NFL career by taking the ball away from Denver receiver Marvin Mims Jr. in the Chargers’ 24-7 loss to the Broncos. He added four tackles (three solo) and a pass defended as the Chargers fell to 5-8.
Blake Freeland, OT, Indianapolis Colts
The former BYU and Herriman High School star started for the Colts in the 34-14 loss to the Bengals.
Jaren Hall, QB, Minnesota Vikings
The former BYU and Maple Mountain High School QB was inactive vs. the Raiders.
Taysom Hill, TE/QB, New Orleans Saints
Hill was inactive with foot and left hand injuries vs. the Panthers.
Puka Nacua, WR, Los Angeles Rams
The former BYU and Orem High School star finished with five receptions for 84 yards — including a 34-yard catch — in the Rams’ 37-31 overtime loss to the Ravens.
Sione Takitaki, LB, Cleveland Browns
Takitaki finished with four tackles (one solo) and a QB hit in the Browns’ 31-27 victory over the Jaguars.
Khyiris Tonga, DT, Minnesota Vikings
The BYU and Granger High School alumnus was active for the Vikings’ 3-0 victory over the Raiders.
Kyle Van Noy, LB, Baltimore Ravens
Van Noy finished with four tackles (three solo), two tackles for a loss and one pass defended as the Ravens improved to 10-3 with the OT victory.
Fred Warner, LB, San Francisco 49ers
Warner came up with his fourth interception this season and led the 49ers with eight tackles (four solo) in a 28-16 victory over the Seahawks.
Jamaal Williams, RB, New Orleans Saints
Williams gained 43 yards on 11 rushing attempts in the Saints’ 28-6 victory over the Panthers.
Zach Wilson, QB, New York Jets
Read about the former BYU and Corner Canyon QB’s big day in the story above.
Injured reserve
- Chris Brooks, RB, Miami Dolphins
- Brady Christensen, OL, Carolina Panthers
- Dax Milne, WR, Washington Commanders
Practice squads
- Matt Bushman, TE, Kansas City Chiefs
- Kaleb Hayes, DB, New York Giants
- Daniel Sorensen, S, New Orleans Saints
- Chris Wilcox, CB, Los Angeles Chargers
Positions: Center (C), cornerback (CB), defensive lineman (DL), kicker (K), linebacker (LB), long snapper (LS), offensive lineman (OL), punter (P), quarterback (QB), running back (RB), return specialist (RS), safety (S), tight end (TE), wide receiver (WR).
