Garrett Wilson: We're better than we played, Thursday was a chance to prove it

When the Jets traded quarterback Aaron Rodgers last year, one of the things they looked forward to was Rodgers throwing touchdown passes to Garrett Wilson.

Rodgers' ruptured Achilles delayed that until this year and the first eight weeks of the season brought more pain than joy, but Thursday night's performance was exactly what they were looking for all along. Wilson made two one-handed catches for touchdowns, including one that gave them the lead for good early in the fourth quarter.

Wilson was initially ruled out, but replays showed his shin was on the ground before he reached the sideline, and the play will be a staple in his highlight reels for the rest of his career. It was also a much-needed shot in the arm for a team that had just lost five games.

“We really had to and wanted to, get into the win column” Wilson said via the team's website. “Losing so many games in a row felt exactly like you would expect. We are better than we have ever played and tonight was our time to prove it. It’s a good win because it allows us to get started on what we preached and discussed at the facility.”

The presence of players like Wilson was the reason the Jets entered the 2024 season with high hopes, and they are the reason their poor start was so disappointing. They're also the reason the door hasn't been slammed on the team, and Thursday night's win has ensured they'll stay open at least a little longer.