Aaron Rodgers' perfect mindset set up Garrett Wilson's legendary TD catch

The NY Jets' season-saving Week 9 win over the Houston Texans was defined by one play. It's a play that flipped the narrative and changed the momentum of the entire game. It's also a play that may have single-handedly kept the Jets' postseason hopes alive.

With just under 13 minutes left in the fourth quarter, the Jets found themselves trailing 10-7 and facing a daunting 3rd and 19 from their own 26-yard line. In that moment of desperation, Aaron Rodgers unleashed a 26-yard pass to Garrett Wilson, who made a stunning one-handed catch.

Initially ruled out of bounds, the play was overturned after review, confirming Wilson’s shin was inbounds for a critical, momentum-shifting touchdown. It was one of the most spectacular catches you will ever see in the sport of football, and it was made possible by the future Hall of Famer who threw the pass.

Rodgers refused to take much credit for the play when speaking to reporters after the game, insisting he just chucked it into the end zone and hoped Wilson could make a play on the ball.

Or in other words, "Screw it, I'm gonna throw it up to G."

Garrett Wilson's spectacular touchdown catch provides blueprint for Aaron Rodgers and the NY Jets

Rodgers has been hesitant to throw the ball downfield for much of this season. He's looked uncomfortable in the pocket and has been off on his ball placement on passes beyond 10 yards. That's been especially true with Wilson.

Wilson's 9.9 average depth of target entering Thursday night's game was easily the lowest of his career, even with Zach Wilson throwing him passes in 2022 and 2023. The Jets hadn't drawn up many plays for Wilson to attack defenses over the top.

The former Ohio State star proved exactly why Rodgers and the Jets should trust him more on deep passes, demonstrating his ability to elevate the offense with explosive plays. His stunning catch should inspire a more aggressive aerial attack moving forward.

Despite a slow start to the season, Wilson is on pace for a career year and is actually among the NFL's leading receivers, albeit with skewed numbers since he played on Thursday night.

Wilson leads the NFL with 60 catches, eight more than any other player. His 663 receiving yards rank second behind only Ja'Marr Chase while his 94 targets are 21 (!) more than any other receiver. He's also added five touchdowns, two of which came via one-handed grabs on Thursday.

Even following the addition of Davante Adams, Wilson must continue to be the focal point of this Jets offense. He's proven that he's still a dynamic playmaker capable of making big catches and stretching the field.

The Jets need to use this catch as a launching point for their vertical passing game. Rodgers must use this catch as an inspiration for confidence that he's been sorely lacking.

Let this be a lesson to the Jets — sometimes you just have to throw it up to Garrett Wilson and see what happens.

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