4 weaknesses for the Panthers to exploit vs. NY Jets in Week 1

(Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports) Sam Darnold
(Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports) Sam Darnold /
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(Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports) Zach Wilson /

Carolina Panthers can exploit Zach Wilson’s inexperience

There is no denying the New York Jets have a player with immense promise in Zach Wilson. The No. 2 overall selection generated more buzz than any other prospect during the evaluation process, thanks in no small part to a phenomenal first campaign in college at BYU.

Couple this with some flashes of brilliance during the offseason and hopes are high the Jets might have finally found the signal-caller to take them back to prominence.

Although Wilson’s hopes are high in the long-term, he has yet to play a competitive down in the NFL and the level of competition he faced in college couldn’t be classed as stellar by any stretch.

It could be a steep learning curve for Wilson against the Carolina Panthers, who now possess dynamic playmakers at every level on defense after another eye-catching period of recruitment during free agency and the 2021 NFL Draft.

Phil Snow has probably already schemed plenty of things up that could throw Wilson off guard. In Tevin Coleman and Michael Carter, New York doesn’t exactly have a prolific running game to lean on, either.

Had this game fallen midway through the season, it would be a different story. That’s why it’s so important to test Wilson’s inexperience and resolve to the fullest extend and seeing how the rookie copes with the pressure on the road.