FLORHAM PARK, NJ—Nothing on the New York Jets offense may be more important in the 2024 season than the connection between Aaron Rodgers and Garrett Wilson.
The team has seemed to realize that point during the few OTA practices they have had. Outside of the mind-meld connection the quarterback and wide receiver have shown, some other players stood out during the Jets’ most recent practice.
Wilson and Rodgers are putting in the work
The quarterback and wide receiver duo of Aaron Rodgers and Garrett Wilson was poised for great success in 2023 until the former’s Achilles injury. Luckily for the team and its fans, the pair picked up exactly where they left off.
Head coach Robert Saleh spoke extensively to Wilson and Rodgers before practice, and the two players responded immediately to the coaching. Rodgers was looking for Wilson on almost every throw, whether it was a short slant route or a deep ball down the field.
Wilson repaid the veteran’s trust, breaking off great routes and beating every defender in front of him.
On his first throw, Rodgers hit Wilson on a deep throw down the field. Under-threw it a bit, but Garrett had a ton of separation so it didn’t matter. He hit Wilson again on an out on the next throw. The connection looks strong again today.
— Brandyn Pokrass (@BPok24) May 23, 2024
The duo worked on everything from deep fades to repeated back-shoulder routes. However, their performance was imperfect, as Rodgers misfired on a few throws to the former Buckeye.
But for where the Jets are in May, fans should be very excited about what the duo could do this fall.
Rookie running backs on the rise
The two newest Jets’ running backs are immediately impacting the play on the field.
Braelon Allen looked the part of an NFL runner with the ball in his hands as he broke off the best run of the entire day. He took a pitch heading right, put his foot in the ground, and immediately created a chunk play upfield.
More impressively, though, was Allen’s receiving ability. Occasionally lining up outside, he displayed soft hands and solid route running.
As for Isaiah Davis, he showed short-area burst and quickness with the ball in his hands. He rotated with Allen frequently, and he got downhill in run-game often.
With Israel Abanikanda seemingly sliding down the depth chart, the two rookie backs could be in line for instant production in 2024.
Young defensive backs make an impact
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