Garrett Wilson Expected Justin Fields’ Breakout; Says Quarterback ‘Isn’t Done Yet’
After an efficient, electrifying debut for the New York Jets, Wilson praised his former Ohio State teammate and urged continuity as the season begins
Justin Fields delivered an efficient and athletic performance in his first start for the New York Jets, and receiver Garrett Wilson said he was not surprised — adding that Fields and the offense have room to grow.
Fields, 26, passed for 218 yards and a touchdown and ran for 48 yards and two scores in the Jets’ Week 1 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sept. 7. The Jets fell by two points, but the showing from Fields gave teammates reason for optimism after a summer in which the quarterback’s consistency was questioned.
"This game, it rewards people that love it. It’s the way I see it, and he loves the game," Wilson said Thursday. "He plays it the right way and has the right mindset every time he takes that field. To all the teammates, that stuff’s contagious, right? So when your quarterback’s doing that, it’s like, you’ve got no choice — I’m gonna pop up after taking that hit, whatever it may be, because you see him do it."
Fields completed 16 of 22 passes, connecting on a 33-yard touchdown throw to Wilson, and he extended plays with his mobility — a trait Jets coaches and personnel cited as a needed upgrade. Wilson caught seven passes on nine targets for 95 yards against the Steelers, part of a developing on-field rapport that dates back to their time together at Ohio State.
Center Josh Myers, who played with both at Ohio State, compared the touchdown connection to the duo’s college days. "It was like 2019 all over again," Myers said. Offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand praised Fields’ patience and in-game maturity, noting that Fields took available shots downfield without forcing throws.
Fields’ performance capped a questioning offseason. Training camp and preseason work at times produced uneven results, and accuracy and decision-making were concerns entering the season. Against the Steelers, those issues were less visible: Fields avoided forcing throws and minimized mistakes while using his legs to keep plays alive.
"Just how fast he’s picking it up and then creating the plays off-script and staying alive, stuff like that for a receiver is like a dream," Wilson said. "All of a sudden you’re running routes, you get to break it off, play street ball a little bit and it’s open. We’re all excited and those were some of the things I was most surprised to see from him."
Jets coaches and players emphasized caution in interpreting one strong outing. Teams will adjust their game plans and defensive scheming, and the Jets must build on the performance. The Jets face the Buffalo Bills next, a matchup that will provide a clearer measure of whether Fields can sustain the efficiency and playmaking displayed in Week 1.
"He’s not done yet. We’re not done yet. We’re all excited for the opportunities we have to go show the world what we can do," Wilson said. "I don’t want to make it bigger than what it is. It’s just playing good ball and that’s what J. Fields does, man. He’s a baller."
