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The biggest question coming into the summer about New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields has not been answered or even experimented with much during the preseason.
Fields is known for his ability to scramble, but has been criticized for his inability to consistently push the ball downfield as a passer during his time with the Chicago Bears and Pittsburgh Steelers.
On Saturday, Fields finished 1-of-5 passing for four yards in the Jets’ 31-12 loss to the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium.
Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic has noticed that the Jets aren’t requiring Fields to attempt deep throws at practices, joint practices and preseason games. Rosenblatt doesn’t believe Fields’ 3.9 air yards per attempt in the preseason can translate to winning when the games start counting in September.
“So far this summer, Fields has not inspired confidence that he’s a different quarterback than he was in Chicago and Pittsburgh — that is, an extremely athletic quarterback with good arm strength but limitations in terms of accuracy and processing,” Rosenblatt wrote.
“It’s only the preseason and far too early to panic, but it is fair to wonder how long the Jets can survive without a passing game that can threaten defenses. A quarterback who’s not willing to take shots down the field, in the preseason, is not someone who’s going to scare opposing defensive coordinators.”
The Jets don’t have another realistic option to start at quarterback other than Fields. Tyrod Taylor is a career backup. Adrian Martinez and Brady Cook are battling for a spot on the practice squad.
The Jets need to see what Fields can do when he has to throw the ball downfield to win games. Even if Fields doesn’t chuck passes in preseason games, the Jets coaching staff needs to force the 2021 first-round pick to attempt deep throws at practice.
If Fields cannot execute that part of the offense, the Jets should look at bringing in another quarterback before the regular season.
