The Jets need to start using Garrett Wilson like Jaxon Smith-Njigba

The New York Jets offense looked like a well-oiled unit in Week 1. It sparked legitimate excitement for what they could achieve in 2026, coordinated by Frank Reich and commanded by a legitimate adult at quarterback, Geno Smith.

After Week 2, fans are likely feeling whatever the opposite of optimistic is, particularly after some head-scratching personnel decisions and a game plan that seemed to have no regard for the fact that the Jets only dressed four wide receivers

Despite their lack of depth at pass catcher, Smith still did his best to get the ball to his playmakers. Adonai Mitchell led the team in targets with 12, hauling in six passes for 63 yards. Isaiah Williams caught six passes for 34 yards, and Garrett Wilson had five receptions for 57 yards and one touchdown.

But there's a major problem there. Why is Wilson, the teams' highest-paid player and best offensive weapon, receiving fewer targets than their WR2 and just one more target than their return specialist?

The New York Jets need to force feed Garrett Wilson the football

Now, it's easy to say that you can't just throw the ball in one player's direction 15 times a game and expect them to make an impact. But when you have a player like Wilson in the mix, who is one of the most talented wide receivers in football, it's hard not to imagine he'll make something out of nothing more often than not.

Just take a look at the Seattle Seahawks and their game plan with reigning Offensive Player of the Year Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Wilson may not have the same accolades as his former Ohio State teammate, but his talent is undeniable.

The Seahawks' offensive game plan on a weekly basis is to throw the ball to Smith-Njigba and watch the magic unfold. In Sunday's outing against the Arizona Cardinals, Drew Lock targeted the superstar wide receiver 11 times, and he finished the day with nine receptions for 155 yards and three touchdowns.

The week before? 11 targets, again, good for eight receptions, 122 yards, and a touchdown. Good things happen when you make your best player the focal point of your offense, and the Jets should be taking note of that.

Maybe Wilson isn't at the same level as Smith-Njigba, but he's at least a comparable talent. He has the ability to be a special player; Jets fans know that. They've seen it throughout his young career.

The Jets need to start going to him early and often, getting him involved in the passing attack and reminding defenses of the threat that they need to respect. It may end up opening other areas of their offense.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow