New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers had a little fun at ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr.’s expense following the Jets’ dominant 24-3 victory over the New England Patriots. During the post-game press conference, Rodgers touched on how defenses have been heavily focused on shutting down star wide receiver Garrett Wilson. Then, with his trademark wit, he took a light-hearted jab at Kiper, referencing the analyst’s recent comments about two-high safeties.
Kiper, on Thursday, had expressed frustration with the increasing use of two-high safety coverage in the NFL, claiming it was hurting the game by limiting the excitement of big plays. Rodgers, always quick with a quip, couldn’t resist poking fun at that take.
“The entire focus of all three defenses we’ve played has been taking Garrett Wilson away. It’s been Mel Kiper’s worst nightmare,” Rodgers joked with reporters. “A lot of Cover 2, you know? And there’s times we’ve tried to go to him, but there’s a lot of two-high in all three games. They’re shading him even with corners… not a lot of single coverage. It’s a tribute to Garrett and his talent.”
The room erupted with laughter, but Rodgers was highlighting a real challenge the Jets have faced this season: opponents doing everything they can to contain Wilson. Defenses have keyed in on him with various coverages, especially two-high looks, aimed at neutralizing the Jets’ most explosive weapon. So far, it’s worked to some extent. Through the first three games, Wilson has been held to 15 receptions for 150 yards and just one touchdown. While those aren’t terrible numbers, they are well below the production fans have come to expect from the dynamic receiver, who averaged more than 60 yards per game in his first two seasons.
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Rodgers acknowledged that getting Wilson more involved will be key to the Jets’ offensive success moving forward, noting that once the two build more chemistry, they’ll be able to overcome these defensive schemes. “Things will be much better once we’re on the same page,” Rodgers said, expressing confidence in the duo’s potential.
Wilson’s talent is undeniable. The young receiver has already posted back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, despite playing with a revolving door of quarterbacks, including Zach Wilson, Joe Flacco, Mike White, and Tim Boyle.
Considering his success with that cast, the idea of what he can achieve with a future Hall of Famer like Rodgers consistently getting him the ball is tantalizing for Jets fans.
While Rodgers may have been joking about Kiper’s frustrations with two-high safety coverage, the defensive focus on Wilson is a serious issue for the Jets to navigate. Defenses are clearly aware of Wilson’s game-breaking ability and are doing whatever they can to limit his impact.
As the season progresses, the Jets will need to find creative ways to free him up and exploit defenses that over-commit to containing him.
For now, though, Rodgers and the Jets are enjoying their success, and it’s clear that the veteran quarterback is having fun both on and off the field.
As long as Rodgers keeps throwing darts—and throwing jokes—the Jets’ season looks like it will be as entertaining as it is promising.
