The New York Jets are near the top of 2023 NFL power rankings thanks to the arrival of quarterback Aaron Rodgers and confidence in one of the best NFL defenses in 2023. However, one offensive weapon could prove just as crucial to the team’s success this fall.
New York acquired Rodgers to stabilize an offense that has underperformed for years. Held back by poor quarterback play, the Jets have ranked 23rd or worse in total offense and scoring in each of the last seven seasons.
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Despite having a top-five defense in 2022, New York finished with a 7-10 record and placed last in the AFC East because of its offense. Heading into training camp, Rodgers’ arrival and the return of Breece Hall have fueled expectations that this will be one of the most-improved units in 2023.
While Rodgers has a history of taking time to warm up to his new teammates and build chemistry with receivers he isn’t familiar with, just a few months of work with Garrett Wilson has already left a strong impression on the future Hall of Fame quarterback.
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Speaking to John Pullano of the team’s website, Rodgers said that Wilson reminds him of Davante Adams. While he knows it’s still early in Wilson’s career, there are little things he does that are very reminiscent of Rodgers’ former teammate.
“Look, I love Davante, and I saw him this summer. He is in a category all by himself still. But, that 17 [Adams] reminds me of the other 17 [Wilson] as far as his ability to get in and out of breaks and his quick twitch at the line of scrimmage.”
Aaron Rodgers on Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson
Rodgers isn’t the only player who compared Wilson to Adams. Allen Lazard, who played and practiced with Adams from 2018-’21, also sees similarities between the All-Pro and New York’s second-year wide receiver.
- Garrett Wilson stats (2022): 83 receptions, 1,103 receiving yards, 56 first downs
“Garrett is incredible. I see a lot of resemblance to Davante. To me, Davante is the best in the league, hands down. But there are a lot of things they do as far as mannerisms, personality, abilities that resemble each other.”
Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard on Garrett Wilson
Wilson is coming off an excellent rookie season. He ranked ninth in red-zone targets (19), 11th in air yards (1,575) and 19th in yards after catch (365) last season. However, the recurring issues with Jets’ quarterbacks throwing off-target passes or being slow on reads hurt his production.
Even before training camp begins, reports from offseason practices and statements from Rodgers have made it clear he’s quickly building chemistry with Wilson. If that translated to early success in the regular season, Wilson could be a threat to make an All-Pro team in 2023.
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