Michael Wilson had sleepless nights, not knowing when – or even if – he would be in the position he finds himself on the eve of Week 18.
The wide receiver is 93 yards away from his first 1,000 yard season. While some might be looking ahead to the offseason, there’s a hunger to finish the season strong as the Cardinals play the Rams in Los Angeles.
“Every time I step on the field, I’m going to make sure I give 150 percent and especially this last game, I especially want to end the season on the on a high note,” Wilson said. “Because I don’t want to go into the offseason thinking like, ‘Damn, I completely didn’t take the last game seriously.’ It’s just going to leave a bad taste in my mouth.”
Accomplishing the goal would be the cherry on top of what has been a remarkable season for Wilson. After injuries devastated the team, Wilson was one of the guys that took advantage of the opportunity presented to him. With Marvin Harrison Jr. out after the appendicitis surgery and then a lingering heel/foot issue, Wilson slid into the WR1 spotlight.
From Weeks 1-5, Wilson had eight receptions for 52 yards. Since Jacoby Brissett took over as quarterback, Wilson has 65 receptions for 855 yards.
“I think it would be a heck of an achievement to get (1,000), not only for myself, but for my family, and especially just how I started,” Wilson said. “To get this close, I’d be lying if I said that wasn’t a goal that I wanted to accomplish.”
During a year that had featured tons of adversity, the highlight-reel plays from Wilson and the historic campaign from tight end Trey McBride will be a few of the positives that will be remembered. Based on how both have handled answering questions from the media, it’s clear they would trade in those accolades for victories.