The Garrett Wilson development Jets need to make permanent

Garrett Wilson was searching for the words Wednesday about this week’s matchup with the Patriots. “There’s a premium on this one.I don’t know how to exactly put it but it’s a big-ass game,” Wilson said.

“We’re going to be ready to play.I’m excited for it.”  Text with Brian Costello all season as he brings Sports+ subscribers the latest Jets intel from on the field and off.

Big-ass game, indeed. The 2-3 Jets travel to Foxborough to face the 3-2 Patriots in their first division game of the season.The Jets have won just once in Gillette Stadium in the last 15 years and that was a season finale in the snow with Bailey Zappe playing quarterback for the Patriots. This feels like a massive opportunity for the Jets, who are coming off a win over the Browns.

To capitalize on that opportunity, they need to get the ball to Wilson, their leading receiver and best player.Jets coach Aaron Glenn knows it.

Offensive coordinator Frank Reich knows it.Quarterback Geno Smith knows it.

The Patriots also know it. Wilson’s targets have been a point of discussion for Jets fans recently.Wilson only had four targets two weeks ago against the Bears.

To be fair, the Jets only ran 32 plays and attempted 15 passes so it was not a normal game to judge.They clearly identified a lack of touches for Wilson as a problem, though.

They went his way 11 times in the win over the Browns, including three targets on the opening drive that resulted in a Wilson touchdown. It seems simple to say: Wilson needs to be targeted 10 times a game.But the Jets caution that it is easier said than done. “When you’ve got players like Garrett, you try to do everything you can to try to make sure you feed him the ball,” Glenn said.

“But you have to make sure you don’t jeopardize your team also.Sometimes you can put your quarterback in position to where all he’s doing is eyeing that guy and you have other guys that are open.” Wilson’s numbers are strikingly consisten...