Chris Collinsworth gets slammed by fans for defending Zach Wilson after Jets QB slips on opening drive - “Giving the sloppiest he*d”

Today is the first time the NFL plays games, as the New York Jets meet the Cleveland Browns in Canton, Ohio, for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game. Surprisingly, Zach Wilson is starting for the former in place of star acquisition Aaron Rodgers.

During a first-quarter drive, Wilson dropped back for a pass and scrambled to rush short of a first down, slipping along the way:

Cris Collinsworth, NBC's lead analyst. said of the play:

"You know, that's better than what you would've gotten from him last season. That's the growth you like to see."

Fans were unimpressed with his breakdown of the play, though:

"Collinsworth giving the sloppiest head to every QB who drops back was not missed during the offseason"

Here are some other reactions on Twitter:

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VIDEO: Zach Wilson impresses with 57-yard touchdown pass to Malik Taylor

All has not been bad for Zach Wilson and the Jets so far, though. The Jets are leading the Browns 16-14, and while he did not throw a touchdown pass, he did record a monstrous 57-yard throw to Malik Taylor from deep within his team's territory in the first quarter.

Here's the video:

Wilson was pulled by the second quarter, but Tim Boyle kept Gang Green firmly ahead by handing off to rookie Israel Abanikanda for a touchdown:

That was set up by this Chazz Surratt interception off of Kellen Mond:

The Browns responded with a rushing score by Demetric Felton:

The game is currently on a fourth-quarter delay after a presumed power outage at the stadium:

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Why Zach Wilson started instead of Aaron Rodgers in Hall of Fame Game

Those who had been expecting Aaron Rodgers to finally showcase his skills in a Gotham green uniform were disappointed that Zach Wilson got to start instead, even though he was purportedly demoted to backup when the four-time MVP arrived in East Rutherford.

According to the Sporting News, it may have had something to do with the shortened preseason. Teams now have less time to fully evaluate starters, instead considering it more valuable to assess how backups and fringe players fare.

However, Rodgers still believes he will eventually make the preseason. He told team reporter John Pullano:

"I wouldn't mind playing in the preseason. I wouldn't mind if Robert (Saleh) said 'Hey, we are going to go. Let's do it.'

"Most coaches have that fear where they want to get you to the Week 1 and not risk it, but I believe there is a chance for the last one (against the Giants on Aug. 26)."

The last time Rodgers played a preseason game, it was 2018, and he was still a Packer. His team beat the Steelers 51-34, so he may want to revive that momentum in his first game as a Jet.