Rookie Jets head coach Aaron Glenn has been honest about Jets starting quarterback Justin Fields’ performance, saying it has been up-and-down throughout training camp. That’s not a ringing endorsement.
Aaron Glenn (photo, NY Jets)
Aaron Glenn doesn’t mince words, and that makes it easy to root for him.
Fields played his second preseason game against the Giants at MetLife Stadium on Saturday night, and he completed one of five passes for four yards and ran for five yards. That was his body of work.
Earlier in the week, Fields struggled against the Giants’ front four in a couple of joint practices, and he was skittish in the game, holding onto the ball too long and missing on his passes.
At best, Fields seems to be a game-managing quarterback. But, if he is going to just run the ball and struggle when he throws, what good is he? That’s not what the Jets paid for when they signed him to a two-year, $40 million deal this offseason to be their starting quarterback. What Fields promises to deliver could be delivered by any NFL QB, and for a lot less money.
Overall, Fields has not made a case that he can elevate the Jets. In the two preseason games, he has gone 4 of 9 in passing attempts for 46 yards, with no passing touchdowns and just one rushing score. You don’t need to find out that his 60.41 quarterback rating means the situation is not good. Your eyes tell you the story.
The Jets hope new offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand can unlock Fields’ potential. But saying that is easier than getting it done. Remember that Fields is on his third NFL team in five years.
I understand why the Jets signed Fields. He was the best they could get in the quarterback market. But again, if he can’t mix in an occasional pass, what good is he?
Fields against the Giants (photo courtesy AP News)
In asking that question, I’m not going to argue that the Jets should’ve brought back Aaron Rodgers. There’s no way he could be back after he failed to elevate the team and inspire others to play together. Besides, it would’ve been tough for Glenn to instill a culture change as long as Rodgers was around.
However, I believe the Jets should have done a better job of due diligence before signing Fields. Maybe they should have gone after Mike White, who is vying for a backup quarterback role for the Buffalo Bills. At least, he can mix in an occasional throw. He did well for the Jets until he was hurt a couple of years ago. Moreover, the Jets couldn’t draft a quarterback under any circumstances, not after Sam Darnold and Zach Wilson imploded here. Jets fans were not in the mood to see another quarterback learning on the job.
What’s it all mean? There are no easy answers in solving the Jets quarterback quandary. They’ve tried everything from veteran quarterbacks to rookie ones, but nothing has panned out. Fields likely will be no different. His track record tells you that.
Go ahead and harp about it’s only preseason all you want, but Fields’ body of work tells you who he is.
The hope now is that he’ll get a chance to work out things over the next two months. But if his struggles continue into late October, Joe Benigno and a legion of Jets fans will clamor for either Tyrod Taylor or Adrian Martinez to start under center.
