Michael Wilson has quickly become one of the top rookie standout receivers for the Arizona Cardinals, especially with injuries piling up on the desert team. In his third season of eligibility, Wilson has taken his game to the next level especially with teammate Marquise Harrison out with a heel issue. As the Cardinals prepare to face the Houston Texans, Wilson’s recent performances have solidified his position as the team’s wide receiver one (WR1).
In the most incomprehensible of divisions, Wilson has run away with the NFL receiving charts over the last four weeks. He leads the league in receiving yards, targets, receptions, and first downs over this span. He has wide receiver skills, as evidenced by his career-high 15 catches for 185 yards in Week 11. In Week 12, he responded with 10 receptions on 15 targets, good for 118 yards. His performances have alluded to a truly dynamic skillset. They have made him a go-to target for quarterback Jacoby Brissett.
Brissett, who is no slouch himself, expressed confidence in Wilson’s abilities. He has made Wilson his primary choice in three of the past four contests. The connection between the two is evident on the field, with Brissett stating, “The amount of confidence that he gives me — I just feel it when we come out of the huddle, I’m like ‘I’m going to Mike.’”
Wilson’s approach to the game shows a no-fear attitude. Brissett remarked on this aspect, saying, “The mentality to not be afraid to fail, it’s off the charts.” This mindset helps Wilson in clutch situations and overall to keep his composure even after a long game.
Even with Wilson’s historic performance, the issues facing him are formidable. In Week 10, he had four receptions for 34 yards on seven targets. In addition to his confidence, he’s quick to take the blame when plays break down. “I make sure to let Jacoby know when it’s my fault for an incompletion,” he noted. This accountability is a testament to Wilson’s desire to expand his game and become the best player he can be to help the team win.
In particular, Head Coach Jonathan Gannon has spoken highly of Wilson’s growth and impact. “I think Mike’s done a really good job with the opportunities that he’s had and he’s winning a lot of one-on-one,” Gannon stated. “He’s a good football player.” This honor from Gannon is a testament to Wilson’s impressive ability to adapt, adjust and thrive in the midst of constantly changing circumstances within the game.
Wilson also recognizes the mental and physical toll that comes from being an elite NFL wideout. He stated, “I got a lot of appreciation for guys that can do that throughout the course of a 17-game season because not only is it physically taxing, but it’s mentally exhausting after the game.” It is this acknowledgment of the struggle that speaks to his commitment to deliver, week in and week out at a world-class level.
Despite Wilson’s strong start as Kyler Murray’s WR1 for the Cardinals, he is taking things one game and one strategy at a time. “I think I keep going flip-flopping back and forth between saying my job doesn’t change, but obviously when you’re going into a game and the ball’s going to come to you, you have to be on it all the time,” he commented. This new understanding of his role will be key as he moves on to future contests.
Leave a Reply