Jets' Justin Fields impressed in debut despite loss: "I don’t think a lot of people expected us"

In a nail-biting debut, Justin Fields showcased his dual-threat capabilities for the New York Jets, even as the team fell short to the Pittsburgh Steelers with a score of 34-32.

Why it matters: Fields' performance signifies a promising start for both him and the Jets, hinting at a potential revitalization of their offense this season.

• Despite the loss, Fields became only the third player in Jets history to rush for two touchdowns while throwing for another in the same game.
• His ability to execute both passing and running plays could be pivotal as the Jets aim to improve from last season’s struggles.

What’s new: Fields completed 16 of 22 passes for 218 yards and one touchdown, achieving a completion rate of 72.7%, which ranks seventh highest in his career.

• His passer rating of 119.1 marked the fifth-best performance of his time in the league.
• Alongside Fields, Breece Hall rushed for an impressive 107 yards, further solidifying a multifaceted offensive approach.

Yes, but: The Jets squandered a nine-point lead entering the fourth quarter, raising concerns about late-game execution.

• The final drive ended in a four-and-out, highlighting areas needing improvement under pressure.
• This collapse mirrors previous challenges faced by the Jets, emphasizing the need for consistency throughout all four quarters.

What to watch: As the Jets move forward, maintaining offensive momentum while addressing late-game vulnerabilities will be crucial.

• Fields expressed confidence in the team's potential, stating, "I don't think a lot of people expected us to come out like that."
• With upcoming matchups against formidable defenses, how Fields adapts will be critical to the Jets’ success.

Between the lines: Fields’ connection with Garrett Wilson, a former Ohio State teammate, appears to be developing well, as evidenced by Wilson's 95 receiving yards during the game.

• Wilson praised Fields, declaring, “Yeah, man, that boy is a dog. That's the man I know,” which reflects growing chemistry that could pay dividends moving forward.

The bottom line: While the Jets' loss stings, Fields’ debut was a testament to his growth as a quarterback and his potential impact on the team’s offensive strategy.

• Moving ahead, the Jets must balance their explosive playmaking with improved defensive coordination to convert near-wins into actual victories.