Garrett Wilson’s statistics have been impressive over his first two seasons in the NFL.
The Jets’ wide receivers have had more than 1,000 yards receiving in each of his first two seasons.
Despite playing with seven different quarterbacks in two years, he recorded 178 receptions for 2,145 yards and seven touchdowns.
But for Wilson, Year 3 is just one statistic after going 7-10 the previous season.
“A winning game. When asked Wednesday what’s next for his game, Wilson said he’s headed to the playoffs. “I am confident that if we do that, everything will take care of itself. I’ve always lived by that. Just focus on winning. Others will shine through. We have to win somehow. We have to score points and I will have to do something about it. We all will. I’m excited.”
The Jets entered last season with high expectations after being rushed four games into the season after trading Aaron Rodgers.
Wilson believes expectations are rising again and that the Jets can be winners this time around if they keep key players healthy.
“I’m confident it will happen any year. But if we stay healthy this year and find a way to play good ball on big Sundays, we’ll be fine,” Wilson said.
The chemistry between Wilson and Rodgers was on display in OTAs on Wednesday.
Wilson made a diving catch across the middle on a Rodgers pass.
A year into their relationship as teammates, Wilson said things are now much more comfortable between him and the quarterback.
“This time last year, we were able to have conversations that we couldn’t have in the beginning,” Wilson said. “The harder conversations are the ones where we may disagree, we may agree, and he has his two cents on it, which are always the best two cents I’ve ever heard. I’m going to throw my two cents in there because I’m me. It was really awesome. He is a resource to me. He is the person I can always get my thoughts back to.
“I love soccer. I love talking about the game. Come see if he’s the same guy. We get along great. We’ll continue to build that relationship.”
Wilson, 23, has become one of the focal points of the offense along with fellow 2022 draft pick Breece Hall.
Even though the Jets didn’t end up a winner, Wilson looks like a key part of the foundation for the team’s future.
Coach Robert Saleh likes to tell his players, who are entering their third season in the NFL, that they have what it takes.
Things were already bad for Wilson, but Saleh said they could get better in his third year.
“It’s just continuing the maturation process,” Saleh said of Wilson’s next steps. “I’m not trying to place more expectations on him, but usually by third grade, young kids fully understand it. He’s been phenomenal in his first two years, but the third year is where he learns to balance his newfound fame, money in the bank account, social media, branding, the family side, and the football side. They learn how to balance all of this so they can maintain what’s important: being a good soccer player.
“He always had his head straight. He’s coming into his third year and knowing the game the way he knows it now, the sky’s the limit for him.”
Wilson said his focus this offseason is getting stronger.
“Actually, I grew up last year. It’s more about where the weight is,” Wilson said. “I am stronger. You can lift more weight. When I said bigger I meant more hurt. I got the job done and now it’s time to get out there and put it into the field.”
