The New York Jets did not have a super impressive offense in their season opener on Monday against the Buffalo Bills. However, second-year wide receiver Garrett Wilson provided a spark when it mattered most with an unbelievable one-handed catch over a Bills defender.
Backup quarterback Zach Wilson was forced to come in after a devastating injury to Aaron Rodgers early in the game. And his struggles from last year have largely continued in his first game in 2023.
However, the Jets’ defense was excellent, forcing star quarterback Josh Allen into a number of turnovers. Allen’s third interception of the game gave the Jets an opportunity to tie the game if they could put together a successful drive.
JORDAN WHITEHEAD INTERCEPTS JOSH ALLEN FOR THE THIRD TIME TONIGHT! pic.twitter.com/IHVP7wCwxv
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) September 12, 2023
The Jets did just that, as they were able to drive the ball all the way to the Bills three-yard line. Wilson then decided to give the 2022 Rookie of the Year a chance on a jump ball. And Garrett Wilson rewarded him for the opportunity with an unbelievable one-handed catch that should be the early leader for catch of the year so far in the NFL this season.
Joe Buck and Troy Aikman on the call for Garrett Wilson's ridiculous TD catch. 🏈🎙️🔥 #MNF pic.twitter.com/wIrdy4XYEu
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) September 12, 2023
Making that kind of catch is simply ridiculous. Doing so over a former All-Pro cornerback in Tre’Davious White is truly unbelievable.
Fans couldn’t believe what they saw and praised Wilson heavily on social media for the spectacular catch.
GARRETT WILSON WITH THE TOUCHDOWN OF THE SEASON IN WEEK 1. HOLY SMOKES!!!pic.twitter.com/eB03x8iJ8N
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 12, 2023
Garrett Wilson — catch of the year? pic.twitter.com/2Ij7E3tgaz
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 12, 2023
GARRETT WILSON WHAT A CATCH pic.twitter.com/Qgl9y9ki7D
— Pardon My Take (@PardonMyTake) September 12, 2023
GARRETT WILSON MAGIC pic.twitter.com/iPGYGJdnte
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) September 12, 2023
GARRETT WILSON, ARE YOU SERIOUS!? 😱 #SCtop10#BUFvsNYJ pic.twitter.com/14xoiHXlFo
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 12, 2023
Garrett Wilson is just unfair 🤯
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/mjvNJwsXhO
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) September 12, 2023
Plays like this are why most around the NFL view Wilson as a player that will likely breakout this season into the top echelon of his position.
The Jets will need plenty of plays like this if they are going to stay afloat without Aaron Rodgers. And it seems like Wilson is fully prepared to do just that.
[Awful Announcing, Photo Credit: ESPN]