New York Jets star wide receiver Garrett Wilson recently opened up about the unexpected challenges he’s faced adapting to Aaron Rodgers as quarterback.
Wilson described the difficulties of keeping up with Rodgers’ famously complex pre-snap routines and admitted he’s had significant trouble.
Wilson, who has worked with multiple quarterbacks in his career but never one quite like Rodgers, shared his insights during an appearance on the podcast Cleats & Convos.
After spending time catching passes from young, less experienced quarterbacks, Wilson expected Rodgers – a future Hall of Famer known for his precision and aggressive play-calling – to elevate his game to new heights.
Statistically, that has been somewhat true: Wilson’s yards-per-game and receptions-per-game averages are at career highs, including an 11.1 yards-per-reception average.
But the transition has been much more complicated than he anticipated.
Discussing his challenges, Wilson highlighted the intense mental load of working with Rodgers’ complex play-calling.
Rodgers, well-known for his deep playbook knowledge and pre-snap adjustments, keeps receivers on their toes with a variety of nuanced signals and last-second audibles that test even the most seasoned players.
For Wilson, this has meant a steep learning curve.
“The pre-snap stuff is the main thing, bro. I’m still working on this; I’m still missing plays in the game where we try to take advantage of a look, and to be honest, it’s a lot,” Wilson admitted.
“It’s really a lot. You always got to have your eye on the quarterback. I don’t know if y’all do that, but like I’m used to looking at the ball.
“You’ve got the cans but not really a can, him giving a signal, and there’s a hundred of them, bro, fifty or sixty that all got a different… You kind of think more, and it might slow you down a little bit sometimes.
“I caught myself false starting and stuff. There’s been some things that I’ve had to work through and I’m still working on.”
This level of pre-snap complexity, unfamiliar to Wilson, has understandably led to some growing pains.
And it may explain why the Jets’ front office has sought to surround Rodgers with players like Allen Lazard, who have prior experience with his intricate system.
For Wilson, however, adapting to the level of mental agility required has been an unexpected challenge, and even led to a few “missed plays” this season as he adjusts.
Despite these hurdles, Wilson is still on pace for a breakout season, with projections for over 1,200 receiving yards and a likely Pro Bowl selection.
Yet his remarks underscore the unique demands Rodgers places on his offense and suggest that even elite young talents like Wilson need time to fully adapt.
What are your thoughts on Wilson’s comments???
