Jets QB Geno Smith and offensive coordinator Frank Reich can’t let people lobbying for WR Garrett Wilson to get the ball more live in their heads.
And it doesn’t sound like Smith will.
“I just read the defense,” Smith said last week. “I trust in Coach Reich and making the right decisions in terms of play calls, and he trusts me to make the right decision in terms of where the ball goes. I like to say the ball goes where it goes; you can’t force it
to anybody.”
This narrative that the Jets need to force the ball to Wilson is counterproductive.
Lazy narrative.
As perhaps the greatest QB of all time once said, “Football, to me, is about throwing the ball to the guy that is open.”
Sounds like a plan.
It’s unwise to force the ball to anybody regardless of where they were drafted or the size of their contract.
In fact, the best offenses take advantage of the favorable matchups other targets get because the #1 receiver is getting bracket coverage.
Like when Smith threw a 48-yard touchdown to WR Omar Cooper in New England. One thing that helped Cooper sneak behind the Patriots’ secondary was all the attention Wilson drew on a crossing route.
Should Wilson get a lot of targets – absolutely. He’s a great talent.
But by no means do you force him the ball because people outside the building are advocating for that.
*****
Jets Whispers (Dan’s Insiders) five days a week right here at jetsconfidential.com. To subscribe to the Website Whispers, our print magazine (different content than the website), or both (combo deal), click an option below. See what you have been missing!
