The New York Jets are counting on Justin Fields to lead their offense, but early preseason performances have raised questions about his readiness.

Why it matters: With the Jets’ decision to sign Fields as a replacement for Aaron Rodgers, expectations are high for the quarterback to reinvigorate an offense that struggled last season. The preseason is crucial for building chemistry within the team and establishing a reliable offensive rhythm.

What’s new: Fields has struggled in his first two preseason games, completing only 4 of 9 passes for 46 yards with no attempts longer than 9 air yards.

• In his opener against the Packers, he finished with 3 completions for 42 yards, followed by a disappointing outing against the Giants where he connected on just 1 of 5 attempts for 4 yards.
• This limited success raises concerns about the effectiveness of the Jets' passing game and Fields’ ability to push the ball downfield, which is critical in modern offenses.

Yes, but: Head coach Aaron Glenn remains optimistic despite the lackluster statistics, emphasizing the importance of patience and perspective.

• “I mean, you have so many people that want to talk about a small amount of plays these guys get to go out there and play... it bothers me, and I laugh at it quite a bit,” Glenn noted, suggesting that critics may be reading too much into early performances.
• He also pointed out, “Who says it's a passing league? The team that won the Super Bowl, what were they in passing? Twenty-ninth. What were they in running? First.” This indicates a shift in considering effective offense beyond just passing metrics.

What to watch: As the Jets prepare to face the Philadelphia Eagles in their final preseason game, attention will be on Fields' development and how the team adapts its strategy.

• Notably, the Jets managed to score only one touchdown in three possessions during the preseason thus far—a 13-yard rushing touchdown by Fields himself against Green Bay.
• The upcoming game will be pivotal for Fields to establish rapport with key targets like Garrett Wilson, who is expected to be the primary pass catcher this season.

Zoom In: Fields expressed a willingness to prioritize efficiency over flashiness, stating, "We're fine with taking 8-yard completions every play if I'm being honest with you... it's efficient ball." This reflects a strategic mindset that could serve the Jets well if the focus shifts towards a more balanced offensive attack.

The bottom line: While Justin Fields has faced challenges in his early appearances with the Jets, the organization remains committed to developing his potential. With the Eagles looming on the horizon, the outcome of their final preseason matchup may provide clearer insight into Fields' readiness to lead in the regular season.

The New York Jets are counting on Justin Fields to lead their offense, but early preseason performances have raised questions about his readiness.

Why it matters: With the Jets’ decision to sign Fields as a replacement for Aaron Rodgers, expectations are high for the quarterback to reinvigorate an offense that struggled last season. The preseason is crucial for building chemistry within the team and establishing a reliable offensive rhythm.

What’s new: Fields has struggled in his first two preseason games, completing only 4 of 9 passes for 46 yards with no attempts longer than 9 air yards.

• In his opener against the Packers, he finished with 3 completions for 42 yards, followed by a disappointing outing against the Giants where he connected on just 1 of 5 attempts for 4 yards.
• This limited success raises concerns about the effectiveness of the Jets' passing game and Fields’ ability to push the ball downfield, which is critical in modern offenses.

Yes, but: Head coach Aaron Glenn remains optimistic despite the lackluster statistics, emphasizing the importance of patience and perspective.

• “I mean, you have so many people that want to talk about a small amount of plays these guys get to go out there and play... it bothers me, and I laugh at it quite a bit,” Glenn noted, suggesting that critics may be reading too much into early performances.
• He also pointed out, “Who says it's a passing league? The team that won the Super Bowl, what were they in passing? Twenty-ninth. What were they in running? First.” This indicates a shift in considering effective offense beyond just passing metrics.

What to watch: As the Jets prepare to face the Philadelphia Eagles in their final preseason game, attention will be on Fields' development and how the team adapts its strategy.

• Notably, the Jets managed to score only one touchdown in three possessions during the preseason thus far—a 13-yard rushing touchdown by Fields himself against Green Bay.
• The upcoming game will be pivotal for Fields to establish rapport with key targets like Garrett Wilson, who is expected to be the primary pass catcher this season.

Zoom In: Fields expressed a willingness to prioritize efficiency over flashiness, stating, "We're fine with taking 8-yard completions every play if I'm being honest with you... it's efficient ball." This reflects a strategic mindset that could serve the Jets well if the focus shifts towards a more balanced offensive attack.

The bottom line: While Justin Fields has faced challenges in his early appearances with the Jets, the organization remains committed to developing his potential. With the Eagles looming on the horizon, the outcome of their final preseason matchup may provide clearer insight into Fields' readiness to lead in the regular season.