The Jets continue to look to Justin Fields as a dynamic leader who can improve their offense. HC Aaron Glenn is genuinely counting on Fields to possibly end the team’s 14-year playoff drought after releasing four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers. Since Fields joined the Jets with a two-year, $40 million contract, the pressure is on for him to deliver a strong performance. Even his last season performance with a passer rating of 93.3 with 1,106 yards and 5 touchdowns for the Steelers, indeed raised the expectations as he takes on the starting QB role for the New York team. But will he prove his worth?
All eyes were on Justin Fields during the recent Jets practice as the NFL preseason heats up. Fields was once thought to be a game-changer due to his dynamic skill set, powerful arm, and ability to evade defenders. However, he did not impress during the most recent practice session, putting on a dull and uninspiring performance. Yes, per reports, he had an “up-and-down” performance during a joint practice with the Giants.
However, rather than showcasing precision and skill, Fields appeared to fade into the background slowly. On Wednesday, Fields was sacked five times during the practice. He struggled not only against the formidable Giants’ defensive line but also seemed to be plagued by indecision. He held onto the ball longer than necessary, leading to missed opportunities and incomplete passes. Particularly, he wasn’t accurate, as he was sacked terribly and threw short passes.
Not shining in those plays, Fields ended 11-on-11 drills with 7 of 12 attempts. These included short passes on slants to WRs Tyler Johnson, Garrett Wilson, Brandon Smith, and TE Jeremy Ruckert, as well as short completions or dump-offs to fullback Andrew Beck and Allen.
Surprisingly, during 11-on-11 drills across two days of practice sessions, Fields completed 14 of 23 passes (60.7 percent), which is comparable to his career completion percentage of 61.1 percent during the regular season. Even head coach Aaron Glenn didn’t like Fields’ approach towards throwing the ball; however, he still stayed optimistic. “He’s progressing. That’s what he’s doing, he’s being a quarterback. I know everybody wants to see the long ball, but he’s progressing,” he said during the discussion with The Athletic.
However, Glenn also noted the development in Wednesday’s practice. He felt that the other team’s players challenged the offense better. It included three short completions, a sack, two incompletions, and a false start penalty. Hence, this development comes on the heels of Glenn’s announcement regarding the team’s QB rotation, raising questions about Fields’ future trajectory.
Aaron Glenn takes on QB Brady Cook, besides having Justin Fields?
The head coach emphasized the importance of preparation for their upcoming game against the Giants. But he was coy about the status of the starters. As Brady Cook was carted off out of practice on Wednesday, Glenn hinted that Cook could see action this Saturday. Although much remains uncertain regarding the starter QB position, “The plan is the plan,” HC said. Glenn’s comments provided context for the situation.
His remark raised the question of whether Fields will be given another chance to reinforce his starter position. Or if changes will be made? In May, Glenn scooped up undrafted rookie Brady Cook, who had 9,008 collegiate passing yards, 49 touchdowns, and a reputation for playing hurt. Amidst Tyrod Taylor, who is already dealing with a knee procedure, and Justin Fields’ ineffective play in practice, Glenn viewed Cook‘s durability as a bonus.
Impressively, after Tuesday’s practice, Glenn commented about Taylor. He said he wouldn’t commit to a “timeline for the opener” in the upcoming preseason games. “We’ll see exactly where he is in the next couple of weeks,” HC declared. Additionally, he also hinted at his presence for week 1. “I don’t think he will be playing in the preseason, but hopefully he will be ready for Week 1.”
This is the aspect that people overlook: Taylor is more than just a backup in case Fields gets hurt. When the defense gives him a sly glance, the man, Fields, acknowledged “pitches in ideas.” Clearly, the practices leading up to the regular season are crucial for any player, particularly one in a position as scrutinized as quarterback.
Although Fields’ performance at this juncture does not evoke confidence, instead, it highlights possible areas for growth. While it’s important to remember that practice isn’t the be-all and end-all, it does serve as an indicator of a player’s form and readiness to take on competition.
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