A familiar clash will take place on Sunday at Meadowlands when the Jets will host the Denver Broncos, as it will be the third time in the last three years that the Jets receiver Garrett Wilson will be covered by Denver’s best cornerback, Patrick Surtain II.
“He’s a good player, he’s got great feet,” Wilson, the 10th overall pick in 2022, said of Surtain, the 11th overall pick in 2021.
“He’s a technician, you can tell he grew up with a pop that got after him very early,” he said, referring to Surtain’s three-time defensive back father. Pro Bowler during his 11-year NFL career. “He’s one of the best in the league for a reason.”
When Denver hosted New York last season in Week 5, Wilson was targeted six times with Surtain in coverage and had receptions for 22 yards.
But for this week 4 matchthe situation has changed. Trading Mile High for MetLife, yes, but moving back under the veteran central quarterback Aaron Rodgerswho, in Surtain’s words, formed a “dynamic connection” with Gang Green’s “big receiver.”
“I’m looking forward to it,” Surtain said of the match. “Aaron Rodgers is a guy I’ve always thought about playing. I’ve watched him grow up, seeing him make incredible throws every year. Obviously he’s a future Hall of Famer, so I’m waiting looking forward to this match.”
He added: “We have to game plan for them, and we’re looking forward to competing and being the best defense we can to take this down.”
Rodgers called the cornerback – 16 years his junior – “one of the best players in the league at any position” earlier this week, adding that the Broncos’ defense will be “a good test for us.”
And testing is something Wilson, who has drawn an opponent’s best cornerback all year long — including last week against Team New England. Christian Gonzalez – is ready again.
“I love it, man. I love it,” he said of facing the best. “As long as we don’t crown them before the match and still take chances against them, I love it.”
That year, Surtain already covered Seattle DK Metcalfthat of Pittsburgh George Pickensand that of Tampa Bay Mike Evans and held that trio to 53 total yards when targeted. However, the corner has already been called for six penalties this year.
Wilson — 150 yards and a touchdown on 15 catches so far — hopes to build on that and a Jets offense that has scored 24 points in each of their last two games.
“We ran the ball well, got the backs moving and made plays in the receiver room, just being opportunistic. I feel like that’s where we’re improving,” Wilson said. “So knowing that when we’re called upon, we have to make that play and I feel like that’s when we’ve been at our best.
“We’ve all had our opportunities and let’s go for it. »
