The tension between the Denver Broncos and the New York Jets reached new heights over the weekend.
During the Jets preseason game against the Carolina Panthers, star wide receiver Garrett Wilson took a not-so-subtle jab at Broncos head coach Sean Payton’s strict ground rules.
Payton previously listed regulations for his Broncos during the preseason. The old-school policy has struck a chord with some young players across the league.
However, rules notwithstanding, Payton was already pretty high on the Jets crap list due to his recent criticism of the job Nathaniel Hackett did as Denver’s head coach last season.
Hackett, of course, is now the Jets offensive coordinator.
Some of Payton’s “banned” items for sideline-wearing included: uniforms after finished playing, sunglasses, bucket hats – and participating in in-game interviews.
Enter Garrett Wilson.
Not playing in the game, Wilson gave a mid-game interview while wearing sunglasses and a bucket hat.. These are three major no-no’s of Payton’s. Although Wilson was kind enough to not wearing his uniform.
I'm not sure if Garrett Wilson did this intentionally, but if he did, it's some ELITE trolling.
(h/t @RajPC1) pic.twitter.com/DcBvQRgSMz
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) August 13, 2023
If Wilson was a Bronco, this would have been a problem.
But he’s a Jet, and he’s a pretty Jet sticking up for his offensive coordinator.. Aaron Rodgers must be a proud, proud man.
The Jets dominated Panthers, en route to an impressive 27-0 shutout victory.
Needless to say, big expectations lay ahead for Wilson and the Jets this season – all thanks to the acquisition of the four-time NFL MVP, Rodgers.
Wilson, who was the tenth overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, continues to establish himself as a force to be reckoned with. He had 83 receptions for 1,103 yards and four touchdowns during his rookie season.
The talented receiver also earned the distinction of being the Jets first-ever NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Payton, who recently took the helm as the Broncos head coach, suffered a disappointing 18-17 loss to the Arizona Cardinals in his inaugural preseason game.
Tasked with revitalizing quarterback Russell Wilson after a nightmare 2022 season, Payton has his work cut out for him.
Whether you agree with his old-school rules or not, there’s no denying he’s a great coach. It certainly wouldn’t be a safe bet to doubt his ability to turn things around in Denver.
Luckily for us, the Jets play Payton’s Broncos in Denver on October 8th.
As (former Jet) Bart Scott would say, CAN’T WAIT!!!