Jets must use Garrett Wilson's biggest strength against Browns' heavy man scheme

It should go without saying, but Garrett Wilson needs to be the focal point of the offense this week for the New York Jets. It's obvious for Frank Reich, as he's the best player on the offense; however, Wilson is coming off a game against the Chicago Bears where he only saw four targets.

The Jets can claim that the reason Wilson wasn't getting the ball was because of the lack of plays the offense had all they want, it's still not a good enough reason to have that number come in as low as four.

This week, against the Cleveland Browns, Wilson should be set up to have a productive week for New York.

Jets have obvious advantage vs. Browns in Garrett Wilson

According to Sumer Sports, the Browns lead the league in man coverage percentage at 51.9 percent. To put that in perspective, the Bears are the next closest, with just 40.5 percent use of man coverage.

Cleveland can run so much man coverage because of their faith in their cornerbacks. Denzel Ward, the Browns' No. 1 corner, has had an excellent start to the 2026 season.

Through four games, Ward has allowed just a 52.9 reception rate, 58 yards against, and a passer rating of 75.1. He was beaten for a touchdown in each of the first two weeks of the season, but otherwise he has been as stout as they come at the corner spot.

Despite Ward's impressive numbers in coverage, Wilson should still be a heavy factor in this game. So far this season, the Jets' WR1 has eight catches on eight targets against man coverage. In addition to that 100 percent reception percentage, Wilson has 83 yards and two touchdowns.

To put it simply, Wilson eats in man coverage.

Even if the Jets' offensive coordinator, Reich, wants to keep Wilson away from Ward, he can do so by putting Wilson in the slot. The Browns' slot corner, Myles Harden, hasn't been nearly as effective as their outside corners this season.

Harden has allowed a 130.0 passer rating by opposing quarterbacks when targeted, a 75% reception percentage, 224 yards, three touchdowns, and two penalties to go along with it. Reich should be able to see what a mismatch that is and allow Wilson to expose the weakness on the Browns.

Between the Browns' use of man coverage, Wilson's ability in the slot, and his ability to get open against man coverage, there's no reason for him not to be the focal point of the offense on Sunday.

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