Jets offensive coordinator Frank Reich has admitted he must change how he uses star receiver Garrett Wilson. The coach said on Thursday that he needs to get the ball to Wilson more often, especially in critical moments. Wilson has been the team’s best player, but he has been used as a decoy for much of the month. This shift in strategy is a direct response to mounting frustration from the player and fans alike.
The numbers show Wilson is still a top target, yet the results are not there. He ranks 11th in the NFL with 37 receptions and 19th in receiving yards with 444. Despite these strong stats, the offense has struggled to find him when it matters most. Reich told reporters he wants to see Wilson become the best in the league and promised to keep trying to get him the ball. The coach knows the current plan is not working well enough for a player of Wilson’s talent.
The Decoy Problem
Wilson has been forced to draw double teams and heavy coverage without getting the payoff. Four receptions totaling 27 yards were made against New England before he exited the field, clearly distressed. The tension boiled over in the loss to Miami, where Wilson was targeted three times for just two catches and 26 yards. On the sidelines, observers saw him visibly upset on the sideline after the game. Reich called this a “healthy tension” but admitted the context matters.
Reich pointed out that Wilson still creates space for others even when he does not catch the ball. In the Miami game, defenders jumped on Wilson on the first play, leaving Omar Cooper Jr. wide open for a 52-yard gain. Later, a safety went way over the top to double Wilson, allowing Geno Smith to throw a laser down the center. Reich noted that there were over 100 yards of offense that Wilson created without touching the ball. However, the coach knows that creating space is not the same as scoring points.
Admitting the Mistake
The biggest issue came down to a single play in the fourth quarter against Miami. The Jets had a game-tying opportunity, but Reich did not call a pass for Wilson. On third down, the play ended with Smith being sacked for a 12-yard loss instead. He explained that he should have tried to get the ball to Garrett or done something different to get it to him with the game on the line.
Reich understands why Wilson is frustrated. The player knows he is a key part of the offense and wants the ball in those clutch situations. “Those are the kinds of situations I know he’s talking about, and I get it,” Reich said. “I’ve got to do better there.” This admission is rare for a coordinator to make publicly. It shows that the Jets leadership knows the current play-calling is failing their top weapon. The team cannot win if their best receiver is left on the bench in the final minutes.
What Needs to Change
Reich has promised to adjust the scheme to get Wilson involved early and often. “We really are trying to get the ball to him early and often,” Reich said. He further stated their intention to target him more frequently while seeking alternative methods to generate touches. The coach believes Wilson has been productive overall, but the team needs to find ways to scheme him open more effectively. This means using more motion, different formations, or specific routes that force defenses to single-cover him.
- Wilson has 51 targets so far this season.
- He has scored three touchdowns.
- He is tied for 17th in the league in targets.
The Jets have other players who are stepping up. Rookie Omar Cooper Jr. tallied five receptions for 115 yards and a touchdown versus the Dolphins, earning NFL Rookie of the Week honors for the second consecutive week. In four of the last five weeks, rookies have secured this award. While the rookies are doing well, the offense cannot rely on them alone. The core of the team must include Wilson as a primary option, not just a decoy.
The Path Forward
The Jets are facing a tough stretch with injuries piling up. No. 2 overall pick David Bailey missed practice for the second straight day due to a groin injury. T’Vondre Sweat, Joseph Ossai, and Max Mitchell also missed time with knee, ankle, and concussion issues respectively. Running back Breece Hall and offensive lineman Dylan Parham were limited, while Braelon Allen returned to full practice. These injuries make the job harder for Reich, who must find ways to get the ball to Wilson without a full offensive line.
Reich’s job now is to balance the attack. He cannot ignore the rookies who are playing well, but he also cannot leave Wilson out of the most important plays. The coach said, “I want him to be the best in the NFL because I think that’s what we think of him.” This statement shows that the team values Wilson highly. The question is whether they can back it up with the right calls on the field. If Reich fails to fix this, the frustration will only grow, and the season could slip away faster than expected.
The Jets need to trust their best player when the game is on the line. Wilson has the skills to make the big play. Reich has the power to design the play. The two must work together to ensure Wilson gets the ball in his hands when it counts.
