Returning to the field after missing the final 10 games of the previous season due to a knee injury, wide receiver Garrett Wilson demonstrated his readiness in the New York Jets' 23-10 season-opening victory against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. Wilson recorded six catches for 79 yards, re-establishing himself as a key offensive weapon.
"It was good for me to get back out there and get that confidence back," Wilson said. "I kind of got knocked around early so I was like, ‘OK, this is what it feels like to get hit again.’ After that, you’re ready to play. It was good to be out there and for me to have to make some plays. My team relying on me, I missed that feeling. I love ball. It was good to be out there."
The five-year veteran, who has experienced considerable losing with the Jets, expressed evident joy in the win. He was seen sharing a moment with owner Woody Johnson after the game. A pivotal 31-yard reception in the third quarter ignited a touchdown drive that extended the Jets' lead to 17-3, effectively sealing the game.
Despite the offense accumulating 367 yards, Wilson believes there is still room for improvement. "We still left a lot on the field," he noted. "That was the best part about it."
Wilson had surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in each of his first three seasons, leading to a four-year, $130 million contract extension last summer. However, a knee injury curtailed his previous season, limiting him to 395 receiving yards. The Jets maintained a celebratory atmosphere in the locker room following the victory.
"I feel like when you have a plan and you go out and do it right, it’s a reason to celebrate," Wilson stated. "That’s why you hear that. So, at the end of the day, it’s a big game for us. It was first game of the season. We we’re on the road. It’s a big game for us."