The New York Jets' 2023 season appeared to be doomed when Aaron Rodgers went town with a torn Achilles just four offensive snaps into their season. While some would argue that the 7-10 record the Jets finished with isn't so bad (considering their star quarterback got hurt so early on), Garrett Wilson, the Jets' standout wide receiver, certainly doesn't see it that way.
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During a media conference Monday, Wilson said, "What happened this season can't happen again. It's got to be better. We've got to make adjustments in the game. We've got to do things to counter what we're getting and be able to put points on the board, because in the two years I've been here, honestly, it's been tough. It's been tough going."
Garrett Wilson on the #Jets bouncing back next season:
"What happened this season can't happen again, is how I feel about it. It's got to be better. We've got to make adjustments in the game, & be able to put points on the board. The 2 years I've been here have been tough, &… pic.twitter.com/7prbHivrXV
— Harrison Glaser (@NYJetsTFMedia) January 8, 2024
Although Wilson didn't mention anyone by name, many people believe Wilson was placing blame on the Jets' first-year offensive coordinator, Nathaniel Hackett. Prior to joining the Jets, Hackett served as the head coach of the Denver Broncos in 2022 but was fired during the season after a 4-11 record.
Wilson wasn't done. He went on to address the Jets' offensive woes further: "Football hasn't been this hard as far as offense. When I watch it on the sideline and it doesn't look that hard for the other team. We've got to figure something out to get it rolling, no matter who's slinging it. I know that Aaron [Rodgers] will be an offense in itself because that's just what he brings to the table. He's special, man. I pray that everyone in the world gets to see that next year. But, yeah, what happened this year can't happen again."
After that, a reporter at the conference noted that Wilson — who finished the season with 95 receptions for 1,042 yards and three touchdowns — didn't have a poor season on paper. But Wilson rebutted this claim by saying, "I hear that I had a good year. It's the worst year of my life, dog. That's the reality of it."
"I hear that I had a good year, but it was the worst season of my life. Thank you, but that's the reality of it."
- Garrett Wilson on not meeting his expectations this year pic.twitter.com/n4LecaDwsI
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) January 8, 2024
Ouch.
Considering that Rodgers seems to be making a miraculously fast recovery from the torn Achilles he suffered, it appears he'll be ready to start Week 1 of the 2024 NFL regular season. Hopefully, Rodgers returning (and remaining healthy) will produce a successful season for Wilson, Hackett and the rest of Jets nation — if only so we don't need to hear Wilson sound so sad again this time next year.
