New Jets quarterback Justin Fields still struggling to lead offense
Jets quarterback Justin Fields throws a pass during the first half against the Giants on Saturday at MetLife Stadium. Credit: Lee S. Weissman
Justin Fields had more yards rushing than passing in Saturday’s preseason game. This was not by design and was not a good sign.
The Jets are trying to make Fields a more complete quarterback, but he’s still a work in progress in that area. Fields completed 1 of 5 passes for 4 yards in two series in the Jets’ 31-12 loss to the Giants at MetLife Stadium. He ran the ball once, scrambling for 5 yards.
“The offense in general was not good enough,” coach Aaron Glenn said.
The Jets gave Fields a two-year, $40 million contract to lead this offense. Glenn has been effusive in his praise and belief in Fields, but this was not a good week for the fifth-year quarterback.
Fields struggled to move the ball in the two joint practices against the Giants. He was under far more pressure in those sessions and was sacked eight times unofficially. Most of his completions were checkdowns or throws underneath.
The Giants didn’t sack Fields once Saturday. He just wasn’t sharp.
“There’s room to grow,” he said. “Every aspect, the offense, myself, just everyone.”
On the Jets’ first series, Fields threw a jump pass to Breece Hall that was high and bounced off his fingertips. On the next play, Fields’ short pass to Garrett Wilson skipped off the turf, well short. On third down, he couldn’t connect with Wilson, who was covered well.
The Jets ran the ball 10 times in their 11-play second series, and Fields ran once to avoid the rush. He dropped back and had rookie Mason Taylor open on the right side, but under pressure, he relied on his natural instincts and escaped the collapsing pocket.
The one pass, a quick slant intended for Wilson, was late and was broken up by Cor’dale Flott. The Jets settled for a 38-yard field goal by Nick Folk.
“It just wasn’t up to our standard tonight,” Fields said.
On the defensive side, the Jets’ starting unit gave up an 80-yard pass play from Russell Wilson to Beaux Collins to the 1, and Devin Singletary punched it in from there.
Andre Cisco and Qwan’Tez Stiggers were beaten on the explosive play. Stiggers started for Sauce Gardner, who is sidelined with calf soreness.
Also missing from the starting defense were Quinnen Williams (calf), Will McDonald (knee) and Jermaine Johnson (Achilles tendon rehab).
Some of the other Jets who did not play were Tyrod Taylor, Allen Lazard, Isaiah Davis, Byron Cowart, Kris Boyd and rookies Francisco Mauigoa and Azareye’h Thomas.
The Jets will close out their three-game preseason schedule on Friday against the Eagles.
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
