Keefer and the Beats: Jake Browning gives the Bengals hope, the Lions recent issues, and Zach Wilson's wild week
Dec 12, 2023
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Bengals' resurgence at QB with Jake Browning; Lions' late-season skid; Zach Wilson's return to the Jets; Aaron Rodgers' uncertain future - topics discussed on the podcast.
Zach Wilson returned as the starting quarterback for the Jets despite concerns about the offensive line and potential injury.
Wilson played with anger, confidence, and a sense of having nothing to lose in his best game so far.
Despite experiencing ups and downs, Wilson has shown growth, maturity, and motivation to prove himself as a starting quarterback.
Deep dives
Zach Wilson's Reluctance to Return as Starting Quarterback
At the beginning of the week, there were reports that Zach Wilson was hesitant to return as the starting quarterback for the Jets. He had concerns about the offensive line and the potential for injury. Additionally, he had been told that he would be benched for the rest of the season and that the team would find a new home for him next offseason. Wilson also felt scapegoated for the team's struggles. Despite this, he ultimately decided to return as the starter for Sunday's game against Houston.
Zach Wilson's Angry and Loose Performance
In Sunday's game against Houston, Zach Wilson played with anger and a sense of looseness. He was motivated to prove himself and played with a newfound confidence. Wilson showed flashes of his potential throughout the game, making plays and taking risks without fear of mistakes. He played with an attitude of having nothing to lose, knowing that he wouldn't be benched again. Overall, it was considered the best game of his career so far.
Zach Wilson's Mental State and Growth
Throughout the season, Zach Wilson has experienced ups and downs in his mental state. He initially expected to sit behind Aaron Rodgers and gradually establish himself as a starting quarterback. However, circumstances changed, and he was thrown into the starting role earlier than expected. Wilson went through periods of questioning his future and feeling scapegoated for the team's struggles. However, he has shown growth and maturity, becoming more confident and having a looser approach to the game. Despite the challenges, he is motivated to prove himself and is eager to continue his development as a quarterback.
Detroit Lions' regression and time running out
The Detroit Lions started the season with a strong record of 5-1, but have since regressed on both sides of the ball. The defense has struggled to generate pressure and has a weak secondary, while the offense has been unable to protect quarterback Jared Goff, resulting in turnovers. With a record of 9-4, Lions fans are worried about the team's ability to win a playoff game, as the performance in November and December has been unconvincing.
The New York Jets and Zach Wilson's improvement
The New York Jets have struggled this season, but their recent win against the Houston Texans showed signs of improvement. Quarterback Zach Wilson has shown progress, aided by better play calling and a dominant defense. The Jets' offense finally clicked, and the defense stifled a great quarterback in CJ Stroud. While the team's record may not be impressive, this performance gave hope for the future.
Aaron Rodgers' potential return and the Jets' future
There has been speculation about Aaron Rodgers potentially returning for the New York Jets this season, despite a serious injury and the team's poor record. While it was initially doubted, Rodgers' desire to prove his doubters wrong could lead to a comeback. However, the Jets face a dilemma regarding their future plans. If Rodgers returns next season, the team will have to cater the offense to him. Alternatively, they could change coaches and risk instability. Additionally, the Jets need to address multiple holes on offense and make personnel changes to support Rodgers. The upcoming off-season will be crucial for the team's development.
In the Week 14 edition of Keefer and the Beats, Zak Keefer digs into the Bengals' resurgence with Jake Browning at QB with Paul Dehner, Jr.; the Lions' late-season skid and the worries that are growing in Detroit with Colton Pouncy; and Zach Wilson's return to the starting lineup for the Jets with Zack Rosenblatt.
