How Mike LaFleur is Putting Zach Wilson in Position to Succeed

After what was a disappointing rookie year filled with bad decisions, forced throws, and lots of turnovers, Zach Wilson looks like a more measured quarterback at the start of his second season. He’s getting throws off in rhythm, not trying to do too much, and taking care of the ball - three of the areas that plagued him in 2021.

Offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur’s approach has been a significant factor in Wilson’s early success. He’s calmed his game down by limiting his decision making on each play and allowing his physical talent to take over.

LaFleur has done this primarily through the use of play-action and RPO’s. These are the types of plays that generally create simple and more defined reads for the quarterback, with the run action influencing defenders to create passing windows. In Week 5 against the Dolphins, for instance, almost 50% of Wilson’s passes came off of some form of run fake.

It started on the very first play: