In a concerning development for the New York Jets, star wide receiver Garrett Wilson openly expressed his frustration with a lack of targets in the team’s 19-9 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. The normally electric playmaker was limited to just three targets over the first 55 minutes of action, finishing with a pedestrian stat line of six catches for 54 yards.
Wilson, who is on the cusp of his third straight 1,000-yard season, hinted at deeper issues in the Jets’ passing game. “I’d like to be involved, love to make an impact on the game, but people see it differently,” he remarked cryptically in his post-game comments, seemingly pointing a finger at quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Disconnect Between Quarterback and Receiver?
The budding tension between the Jets’ young star wideout and their veteran signal-caller was on full display Sunday. In the past four games, Rodgers has targeted his longtime favorite target, Davante Adams, a whopping 17 times. In contrast, Wilson saw a meager five targets over that same span.
“I feel like I ran good routes this game,” Wilson noted. “I feel like I had an opportunity to help the team, but sometimes it just doesn’t fall like that.” His thinly-veiled frustration raises questions about the chemistry and trust between the two key offensive stars.
Hints at a Bigger Issue?
Wilson’s post-game comments seemed to suggest this is not an isolated incident. “Anytime we don’t win, and I’m not that involved, it’s tough,” he admitted. “I’m not going to sit here and say I haven’t been involved, but I just think I’ve got more to give. … I think I can help us. They know that.”
The talented wideout also raised eyebrows by openly praising the Rams’ offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur, who held the same role with the Jets last season. Calling his rookie year a “special time,” Wilson gushed, “I loved LaFleur.” His effusive praise of a former coach only underscores the current discord.
Rodgers Downplays Concerns
For his part, Aaron Rodgers chalked up the lack of targets to the Rams’ defensive scheme. “Yeah, a lot of two-shell, so there weren’t a lot of singles for him,” Rodgers explained. “That’s what they wanted to play.”
However, the numbers paint a different picture. The Rams utilized a split-safety look on 29 of 44 dropbacks, yet Adams still drew 13 targets against that same coverage, resulting in seven catches for 68 yards and a score. The clear disparity in opportunity is hard to ignore.
A Troubling Trend for the Jets
Wilson’s frustration is just the latest red flag in what’s becoming a tumultuous season for the Jets. Despite an abundance of offensive talent, the passing game has often looked disjointed and out of sync. If the Jets hope to right the ship and make a playoff push, they’ll need to get their star receiver more involved.
“At the end of the day, this is my legacy, this is what I do. When they turn on the film, I just always want to leave a good impression on people.”
– Garrett Wilson, Jets WR
Wilson’s message is loud and clear: he wants to make his mark on the game. The Jets’ coaching staff and quarterback would be wise to heed his call. In a league driven by explosive playmakers, a disgruntled star can quickly derail a team’s championship aspirations.
For his part, Aaron Rodgers chalked up the lack of targets to the Rams’ defensive scheme. “Yeah, a lot of two-shell, so there weren’t a lot of singles for him,” Rodgers explained. “That’s what they wanted to play.”
However, the numbers paint a different picture. The Rams utilized a split-safety look on 29 of 44 dropbacks, yet Adams still drew 13 targets against that same coverage, resulting in seven catches for 68 yards and a score. The clear disparity in opportunity is hard to ignore.
A Troubling Trend for the Jets
Wilson’s frustration is just the latest red flag in what’s becoming a tumultuous season for the Jets. Despite an abundance of offensive talent, the passing game has often looked disjointed and out of sync. If the Jets hope to right the ship and make a playoff push, they’ll need to get their star receiver more involved.
“At the end of the day, this is my legacy, this is what I do. When they turn on the film, I just always want to leave a good impression on people.”
– Garrett Wilson, Jets WR
Wilson’s message is loud and clear: he wants to make his mark on the game. The Jets’ coaching staff and quarterback would be wise to heed his call. In a league driven by explosive playmakers, a disgruntled star can quickly derail a team’s championship aspirations.
