Aaron Rodgers's favorite target sparks Jets after slow start vs. Panthers

The New York Jets offense experienced its share of struggles early on in Thursday's joint practice against the Carolina Panthers, but third-year wide receiver Garrett Wilson helped turn things around by morning's end.

"We started slow, which can't happen, but it's going to happen, so, you got to find a way to bounce back, finish strong. I feel like we did that. I feel like we got better today," said Wilson.

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who was intercepted twice in the open practice that welcomed fans and media, engineered an impressive drive in crunch time to end on a high note with Wilson securing a touchdown catch in the corner of the end zone.

"8 [Rodgers] makes it pretty easy out there as far as two-minute [offense]. He's got a great process and it's our job to be on our details," said Wilson after the competitive practice. "Aaron's one of the best all time in that, in that situation. For us, it's all about be at our spots, make sure we're getting all our details."

Wilson, who is coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving seasons, was on those "details" while going against Carolina. The Jets shared a 74-second video on social media highlighting four Wilson receptions, including two in the end zone.

The 24-year-old WR1 has established a noticeable rapport with Rodgers dating back to OTAs in Spring 2023. Even with Rodgers on the sideline for the August 8 joint practice against the Washington Commanders, Wilson looked comfortable catching passes from Tyrod Taylor.

Neither Wilson nor Rodgers played in the team's preseason opener, and that will most likely by the case again on August 17 against the Panthers.