Mad Dog says YES! Zach Wilson is THE GUY 👀 | First Take

Stephen A. Smith is joined by Molly Qerim, Chris "Mad Dog" Russo, and Swagu on First Take to debate if Zach Wilson can get the job done for the New York Jets or if they will look to sign a veteran QB in Aaron Rodgers' absence.
0:00 How should the Jets move forward?
4:00 Can Zach Wilson handle the pressure
7:30 Previewing the Jets' Week 2 matchup
9:30 Zach Wilson magic?
10:50 Will Aaron Rodgers ever come back?
#espn #firsttake #newyorkjets
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[@MrMgkman13]

I’m surprised that Mad Dog isn’t saying that the Jets should bring in Joe Namath to finish the season. Clearly no players today can compare to those from the 1960’s

[@zcam1969]

Broadway Joe ''i garantee it '

[@ball3677]

Why he saying "Come from the clouds" hes not even dead 😂

[@sheastadium2008]

​@@ball3677He doesn't mean he is dead, but when your savior comes you'd think it would be from the clouds lol

[@zcam1969]

@@ball3677 nameth is selling Medi-care now

[@Xix1326]

We also needed wires to make our voice-only phones work, color tv was new, and a 2 meg memory computer required an hermetically sealed building, and was serviced by a group of dudes in lab coats.

[@chrisprotege]

Swagu's reaction at 8:36 has me dead 😂😂😂

[@edd06001]

it sucks for Wilson. Whatever happens to the Jets this year, they'll always argue that Rodgers would have taken them further.

[@mattmmixes]

At this point he’s just trying to prove he can be a QB for another team, Jets have given up on him in every way but officially

[@juicesnap]

Unless the jets win the Superbowl which is a tough position for Zach

[@slimvickins5059]

Watch. The same idiots crying to get a different QB, will be saying how Wilson got carried to the playoffs despite how well he does individually. The deranged Wilson hate is out of control. He will never get credit.

[@the3onions]

And they will never know if it’s true

[@kleangreen596]

​@@StevenP727have you seen his numbers? You definitely got this out of the air. Do u hear the way ppl talk about dak and he's way better than Zach Wilson. Look at Josh Allen, he's the one is protected by media.

[@keithmaxwell23]

Part of getting Rodgers in the off season was to help develop Zach the next two years. I got a feeling that Rodgers will still be around to mentor Zach and this will be Zach Wilson's coming out party. I got faith. The fact that Zach wilson on his own changed the run play into a fade pass to Garrett Wilson for a TD was huge growth. Zach Wison never would have done that last year.

[@drostillflawless]

rodgers said he’s gonna be with the team after surgery idk when but he said he will so that’s a good sign for wilson

[@Zenigundam]

Zach Wilson is what he is. Trevor Lawrence, a guaranteed star QB whom the Jets should have been able to draft, was ready from Day 1 with an awful roster. No amount of player development is going to help him. Aaron Rodgers could have started from Day 1 in the NFL with either the 49ers or Packers, and he would have turned out the same; he just would have had more INTs in his early seasons. Wilson simply isn't good enough. He looked good at BYU because his team was loaded relative to its schedule. Dallas is favored by double digits on Sunday for a reason. That's not a normal NFL spread.

[@slimvickins5059]

@@ZenigundamJets had the #2 pick for a reason. They were one of the least talented rosters. They had a good draft last year and now finally in year 3 those players are ready to help make this a playoff contending team. I’m struggling to find the proof as to where Zack Wilson has hindered and held back this team? They weren’t winning before him. They were the 2nd worst team in league his rookie season. Drafted a few great players 2nd year but still not a good team. The worst O-Line in the league. Wilson helped beat the 13-3 Bills last year and had a 120 passer rating. He’s shown positives but was always benched after a mistake. It’s insanity. Then the backups come in and suck and lose too. Mike White isn’t even on the team anymore. The worst coaching job in nfl history.

[@Igzmg01]

@@Zenigundamrodgers hand a broken thumb on his broken thumb last year before he broke his thumb he had 3 ints, after he broke it he threw 9. Rodgers literally has the best TD-INT ratio ever (4.5)

[@aroperdope]

If that was the case they would have said as much

[@PKnight37]

My step dad tore his achilles running to first base in a softball league. That was in the second to last inning, and he pitched the final inning before going home, sleeping, and then finally around 6am my mother told him he was going to the hospital. Toughest man I know and it still took him well over a year to be back to close to 100%. Still bothers him to this day. Crazy injury man.

[@johntoscano5874]

I have a similar story. My dad snapped his Achilles playing soccer. Still completed the game for us and drove himself to the hospital for the surgery the following day 😂😂

[@juanthompson8016]

​@@johntoscano5874doesn't the swelling have to go down before a surgery like that?

[@davidbee7060]

My dad's friends sons brother tore his achilles once.

[@PKnight37]

@@davidbee7060 you’re hilarious.

[@TheOx_88]

This was actually a really good take.. This was pure genuine reactions to every situation. I’m glad Marcus spears is back. And Molly need to chill out with the Tom Brady thought.

[@PeanutButterAndJellyBros]

if molly can have an affair with Brady, I think she will legit do it. Lol

[@gawdlike4075]

@@PeanutButterAndJellyBrosthat wouldn’t be an affair for either one of them

[@abc_12333]

Molly isn't the only one that mentioned Brady. Rich Eisen, Chris Broussard and pretty much someone from ALL NFL Media broadcasts have mentioned calling Tom Brady as an option for QB.

[@jace3254]

@@abc_12333which is exactly why marcus thought it was stupid for molly to bring it up, the media makes up a bunch of stupid hypothetical scenarios for views

[@SonGoku-yb3zm]

@@jace3254 Sigh, there is always that one person in every thread that lacks comprehension skills. Thank you for pointing out what I was about to. Cheers.

[@wackozackoyt]

8:38 bruh that needs to be a meme😂😂😂😂

[@distraughtxl1824]

Definitely do!!!! Lmao

[@Scorpion_the_king]

Already did it

[@thomaswest2312]

Swagoo taking a sip enjoying the show had me crying 😂😂

[@user-nz9sz3gu3f]

you see swagoo reaction about wilson? if he was black there would be none absolute racist

[@yungleek6295]

Bro was smackin his lips 😭😭😭

[@thomaswest2312]

@@user-nz9sz3gu3f what are you talking about 🤣 I'm not trying to go back and watch it

[@douge.terrellii5456]

Also super genuine from S.A- not many ppl get their own segment on first take! Honestly not many are worthwhile. … definitely a great capture of the moment!

[@MgHardaway]

Steven a doing good job .. the cast is a plus mad dog… big dog… the ladies … absolutely good… keep up the good work

[@omogiant40]

9:38 who saw that banana thrown over 🤣🤣

[@z-bird9548]

Zach Wilson is the guy……. To cost the jets out of a playoff spot.

[@jfifthb]

Mike White was 1-3 as a starter last year... I understand he was better than Wilson last year but he wasn't the reason the Jets were in the playoff run. honestly they fell off after Breece Hall got hurt

[@Brett_Damarco]

Swagu!! 😂😂😂 I need his face with the mug memed asap! Haha

[@Scorpion_the_king]

8:37 I already downloaded the video and have a picture and a 2 second clip of this memed.

[@quis363]

Nah swagu’s face sipping his mug was hilarious ! “Caught em” 💀💀💀

[@agentcodybanx8909]

"My friend Tim Tebow" 😂😂

[@CalebWilliams2030]

It’s hard to believe Mad Dog watched Broadway Joe lead the Jets. Now, it’s 2023 and he’s gotta talk about Zach Wilson 😂.

[@MgHardaway]

… with madden, and first take about the NFL.. it’s just making me fall in love with foot ball again.. just outstanding. Oh.. and I can’t wait for the nba season to start. Big perk, and Richard Jefferson , is one of the coolest dou’s.. once again. Keep up the good work

[@Ivan.80p]

RJ is a troll.

[@DBXTHEGREAT]

9:12 the way mad dog said “Molly” 🤦🏾‍♂️😂

[@damndave5052]

Mad Dog is something else. If Wilson was the guy why would the Jets trade for Rodgers in the first place? Was Zach Wilson not the #2 overall pick in the draft a year or two ago??? Make it make sense

[@leonarddoeman735]

Because he thinks the other qbs aren't good enough.

[@Noctem_pasa]

Because he’s a talented player with fucked fundamentals that have only worsened since college. The best QBs in terms of talent have usually had more mature QBs in the room to help refine their craft, as sitting and watching can be a HUGE help in the development of a pro QB. The jets did not do this at all. Rookie OC who’s a virgin to play calling and rookie development, rookie QB who was a project right out of BYU, and a rookie defensive minded HC is a recipe for disaster. They’re doing what they should have done 2 years ago in giving Zach someone to model his play after and an experienced OC to help with development

[@mayhemcbs]

As a longtime Jets fan..Game Over

[@WrestlingIsReal649]

He in a lose lose situation no matter what happens their going to say rogers would have took them further 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@chrisberry789]

9:37 pencil popping lol

[@kaalz1178]

Wouldn't hurt to get cooper rush or maybe Zappe just in case. If that's possible.

[@Ivan.80p]

Zach Wilson has all the talent it takes to be an elite QB. Its up to him to take advantage of this situation.

[@meltednostrilsbornwithoutn781]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@RoadtoGloryNetsJetsUnited]

Lets get it Zach!

[@slimdude4450]

8:37 Marcus with that lip smack lol. SAS always plays both sides of the fence. It's fluid 😏

[@christiansoldier77]

"We dont have to disseminate . " Marcus miss using his vocabulary word of the day lol

[@robertharmon9577]

I never thought Adesanya would lose this past weekend but he did.

[@1623ALBERTO]

He got robbed!

[@ybbcj]

@@1623ALBERTOion know what fight you were watching but he lost forsure 😂

[@Bryant-uc5yb]

Good show

[@agnideva8227]

I can't remember who said it but an analyst pointed out that we're acting like Aaron's dead. As long as he's in the building, Zach still has the big brother HOF'er mentoring, guiding, and advising him. It was awesome seeing Aaron's interactions with Zach on Hard Knocks, having real camaraderie with jokes alongside his pearls of wisdom. If he keeps the same energy with Zach, I think Aaron could help resurrect this kid's career. No shade on the Jets coaching staff (Saleh's identity as a defensive guru is obvious) but they didn't have a Mike McDaniel/Brian Daboll quarterback specialist to develop raw talent. I generally feel like Russo's are meant to be contrarian, but he's onto something here.

[@Mrliftalee]

I agree with you guys about last year, but Zach has been humbled badly. I'm not a fan but, I think that he will do well. He had no reps with the first time and did very well on Monday.

[@oaklandtraphouse]

Facts man he's natured mentally and physically

[@notabillyjoelfan]

The coaches are scared to let him throw. How's our running game gonna be when the opposition plays man to man and stacks the box?

[@ekonkante]

I'm not saying Zach will be good, but it's crazy how rookie and 2nd year QB's are judged by veteran HOF QB standards these days. Let the kids grow.

[@alonzojones9626]

People did it to Lamar. What’s the problem?

[@robertpiller3791]

Mark is tremendous 👏

[@MrCass23]

Zach going to take us to the playoffs

[@w.l.graves7228]

saying wilson is now capable of leading the jets to victory , because he watched rodgers in preseason ..is like saying my grandmother is capable of winning the daytona 500 , because she watched dale earnhardt on tv ..

[@leifleifsen]

Everyone acting like Zach laid an egg on Monday night. He went into a very difficult situation and played pretty good. Not good, really good or great, but pretty good. Considering the situation I’d say he showed grit and poise. Zach is going to be better than what they’re saying. Just watch. Not this week but by week three he will settle in and be a decent nfl starter.

[@pt_3118]

Hey New York Jets, The University of Colorado has a quarterback you might be interested in 😮

[@Yeetly]

We would have to tank

[@TonioTate]

He got to take everything Rodgers taught him and do the best that he can.. that defense is for real

[@mattdunning3414]

It's not about Wilson, it's about Hall and Breece. Jets were doing well enough when Breece was Healthy. As long as wilson doesn't turn over the ball and can move the sticks it should be okay. The Jets defense has gotten better and they are now deeper at RB. Jets could beat: Dallas, NE (once), Broncos, Giants, Raiders, Dolphins (once), Falcons, Texans and the Commanders. That would be 10 wins.

[@rasulsamad5860]

True he was doing well until breech got hurt

[@mattdunning3414]

@@rasulsamad5860 The jets were 28th last year in 3rd down percentage and 29th in time of possession. They need to creep up in both of those categories if they want to hang around in games. Zach doesn't have to be great but do enough to get them up to the 18-20 range. Screens, RPOS and a strong dose of Carter/Hall/Cook should help.

[@Cyber-Mario]

Not a fan of the Jets but I hope Zach Wilson shuts all these haters up. 😮

[@meltednostrilsbornwithoutn781]

It's not "haters". This is an example of how people misuse the word haters. He just sucks, nobody's hating on him.

[@spencerhulsey213]

I honestly think if they emphasize the run game, they'll get to the post season. It's the best way for Zach to develop too. Forcing him to play small and make the layups instead of play hero ball all the time will be great for him.

[@timcritchfield]

Did he just throw a pencil at @9:38

[@Swaggmusik1]

Swagu lol breathing hard kill me everytime lol 😂

[@easyb622]

Rogers is not coming back people forgetting he is 40 years old with a torn Achilles. That’s hard to come back from at that age.

[@arlynl]

ESPN, if you want the sound bites, put Shannon on with Mad Dog

[@tony84.]

1:56, Mad Dog is hilarious! 🤣😂I said this last year about Zach Wilson, the kid can play💯He has talent. The problem was the system he was forced to run did not fit his skill set. Aaron Rodgers coached him up during the off season. He beat my Bills! Wilson can win at least 10 games.

[@tony84.]

I guess I got that one wrong. The last resort on Wilson for me is to let him run the no-huddle, call the plays and see what he does. And even Broadway Joe is angry! The Jets are a mess💯

[@MarquesHardison]

I feel ZERO sympathy or empathy for Jets fans. You know why? Because when Dak broke his ankle, my team didn’t get any “condolences”. Dak crying became a meme. Injuries are a part of the game; get over it Jets fans. You have a top draft pick in Zach Wilson so I don’t want any excuses.

[@damndave5052]

The harsh reality they don’t wanna hear

[@mattmmixes]

“Because I experienced this toxic behavior I think everyone should experience this toxic behavior”

[@oaklandtraphouse]

Its time to see how great that jets defense can really be no excuses

[@rolo2sexy820]

It already is great, what more proof do you need ?

[@oaklandtraphouse]

@@rolo2sexy820 playoff birth or bust

[@GoatedAtNFS]

you DRAFT Zach Wilson. now USE him to his ability. YOU [Jets] thought some kid from BYU who played absolutely nobody in his career would be good so PLAY him. don’t feel bad you cut Mike White but according to y’all [Jets], he wasn’t good enough to make the roster

[@Jrig24]

Mike white played against the worst defenses last year and crumbled when it was time to make a playoff push.

[@GreenChilliD]

They need to show Zach the Trent Dilfer tapes. It might help. He had one receiver. And a defense that took no prisoners. It can happen.

[@jamesphillips3294]

Hearing Molly say “out here in these streets” is really irking me

[@samuelt.s.6495]

8:37😂

[@jayr7437]

I get the takes, I just think GW matured a bit I think he will be a leader to Wilson to get him comfortable, and I think Wilson will understand just run the ball get the ball to your playmakers

[@alwaysJaytwist]

Jets should use the wildcat offense and/or run the ball religiously more.

[@kennyclocks5047]

3:32 That's not what happened. They started the season 5-2 while Breece Hall and AVT were healthy. The team only won like 1 game last year when Mike White started

[@juliuscaesar894]

I miss sour shoes🎉

[@DP_e-que]

Wilson going to get D-Day Defense this Sunday wish it was Roger's but you know the NFL

[@jimmyjohnson495]

Zach Wilson wasn’t the guy yesterday, he’s not the guy today, and he won’t be the guy tomorrow

[@sean-taylorwilliams1769]

Love him or hate him, Stephen A. is hilarious.

[@KasperG87]

Good for SA. He looks good

[@TanakaSigauke]

Wilson has improved if he plays like this he would deffo make the playoffs

[@feedthesnake3394]

wilson got to spend a summer learning from a legend.

[@adrian-paulbrathwaite5338]

No quarterback they can realistically trade for that gets them even close to the Superbowl. Why trade picks for mediocre quarterbacks? Might as well give the #2 pick more run

[@keithb7240]

8:38 😂

[@Mercenary-1914]

Need better pass protection

[@coachcoach1176]

Swaguuuu is back!!!

[@alijordanx8954]

I’m a Giants and Jets fan

[@Chris-ui4rg]

I can’t imagine Rogers playing elite level football after an achilles tear, not at age 39, not in year. Won’t say impossible, but not likely.

[@lionswhelp6025]

I’m calling early, Zach Wilson is going to shock everyone this year. Between saleh, their off. Coordinator, rodgers help, and their relationship that’s ties it altogether, they’re going to find a way.

[@TRAPnowDIElater]

Jets need to send a Second and a DT to Dallas for Cooper rush

[@GlamdringandOrcrist]

I need Spears & Sharpe on the same show for the one time

[@djdys6493]

Man I got 3 names for the jets to call. Joseph Vincent Flacco 😂😂😂😂lol I’m serious tho

[@PrinceJaabaalTheBlackPoet]

Where's Shannon

[@foellerd]

He works 2 days a week then disappears. Come back next Monday for Shannon. Weeks over for me.

[@PrinceJaabaalTheBlackPoet]

@@foellerd ohh ok......I agree the week is over for me too...next week it is

[@KreepKid]

If ESPN thinks that Zach Wilson is not going to help the Jets, this means that Zach will play well for them. Most of their predictions have been shocking. They all were hyping up Justin Fields, they thought Tua wasn't going to be able to make it work and none of them thought that Dallas would be as good as they showed to be. Some of them even predicted Deshaun Watson to get to back to MVP level this season. I know it is still early with all of this but after Week 1 they completely did a 180. Most of them said that the Bears got better and were going to win the division. Some even predicted the worst for the Packers. Eagles might not be a lock for the NFC as most of them thought.

[@trikk9964]

... absolutely agree. A seal-of-approval from this communist-network... is the "kiss-of-death". Worse than the "Madden-Cover-Curse"...

[@alonzojones9626]

I didn’t know the season was determined after 1 week. Why keep playing then?

[@yuyakuza151]

As a Cowboys fan ill give u cooper rush for a first.

[@nyghtryder3446]

9:01 dog tried to throw her a bone she didn't take it😂

[@tywanharrison1225]

They wasn’t in playoffs bc breece hall got hurt. They was like 7-2 with him in lineup. Now 8-2

[@xcwilliams7980]

Yeah, that's cool. But Wilson isn't good.

[@Logical281]

The guy who can lead you to lovely 8 wins

[@Scorpion_the_king]

8:37 I feel like Marcus whenever anybody gets on Stephen A. 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@dugreezythegod8422]

I wonder how Zach Wilson's mental health is doing

[@jrow3101]

Send mad dog back to the radio please.

[@joshua.snyder]

Zach will easily make that choice for them by stinking it up. Send him to the XFL where he belongs.

[@justinr8428]

David bakhtiari is a free agent at the end of the season Arron will get him to the jets to be on that line next season you can book it

[@theculturewatch2414]

JETS: Go get DTR from Cleveland

[@w.l.graves7228]

agree ,thank you ! why is no one else talking about him ? but in reality he is the only other qb on browns active roster , so he probably is not going anywhere , [ after watching how rodgers season ended in 4 plays , , all teams are keeping their #2 backups ] browns would want in return ,, #3 round pick minimum for DTR? which would be fine , good thought tho ! i like malik willis also,. with tennessee , and titans just picked will levis qb in draft .. so willis is possible , as a backup to wilson ,, at this point tho , jets just scrambling for a warm body unfortunately ..

[@ArmaniK48]

SWAGU in the building!!!!!!!🔥🔥💯

[@jamesfontana4850]

This team is different than last year. They will rally around Zach Wilson. Sure, he might not be great. Could be terrible again, like last year. But this team is different. Stronger. Better. Let's get after it.

[@00Tatum]

I’ll always root for the Underdog

[@MarkTomeh]

Not even an AR15 fan but NFL players come back from Achilles injuries much faster than NBA players.

[@dariusmason6268]

Jets should be calling Carson Wentz……. Jets will still be a playoff team with him.

[@RayMon504]

Zach WIlson may not be the guy, but either way Swagu is just as DELUSIONAL as Mad Dog if he thinks the Jets can win the chip this year

[@mattmmixes]

Swagu supremacy (he’s delusional but his name is goated)

[@leonarddoeman735]

Ummm ..they never said that, what are you watching lol?

[@hawaiilacrosse44]

never good if mad dog is defending you

[@Jfresh2393]

Mad dog is deion'd out....but thinks Zach Wilson is the answer 😴😴😴🤣🤣🤣get this guy out of here!!!

[@MrMgkman13]

First Take was the 1st Sports Talk show I’d choose to watch back when Stephen A and Max were doing it. I get that had to end, and that made me watch a little less. It’s been Mad Dog that pretty much killed my anticipation to watch. Can’t stand the takes this guy comes out with.

[@Daffy_C]

If not Zach then who else knows the offense already, learned from Aaron Rodgers & ready to take over right now???

[@DXAdamJensen]

You're pretty stupid, aren't you? Mad Dog points out that the Jets don't have a choice because the QB market is terrible. Learn to listen

[@rafaelisslaam1894]

sa calling Molly his sister at 0:37

[@tylerreigle6462]

I have a genuine question and I'm not a Jets fan but why has no one linked Kyler Murray to the Jets? I'm convinced Arizona would move on from him and try their hardest to get Caleb Williams, Kyler is under contract for years to come and he's still really young, I have criticisms about Kyler like many do but at the end of the day the first time he had a team you could call remotely good around him he won 11 games and went to the playoffs and he's a pro bowler I think it'd make sense for the Jets

[@CRIMSONROULETTE]

I’m glad SWAGU shut down Molly Brady idea. She is brutal

[@Doooooooo]

Jets should call wentz, phillip rivers or trade for red rifle andy dalton

[@eugenerollins985]

Wentz or Winston all those other qbs too old

[@fvgc454ss]

Dont let this distract you from the fact Al Bundy once score 4 touchdowns for Polk High in the 66 city championship game including the winning goal against his old nemesis Spare Tire Dixon.

[@andybales7318]

😂 true sports hero

[@thrower_2REAL]

Yeah the guy bringing y’all back to the lottery