Are Jets Limited By Fields' Inconsistencies?

The New York Jets and quarterback Justin Fields always made the most sense for each other in free agency. Head coach Aaron Glenn needed a starter who would allow him to bring about cultural change, with enough competence to wave off a rebuilding mindset and the character to take on the sport’s biggest market. In New York, Fields will find an unquestioned starting role, a decent supporting cast, and a final shot at proving himself as a starter.

Just two years and $40 million later, Fields became the Jets’ next quarterback.

It’s clear already that New York’s offense is designed with Fields in mind. Receiver Garrett Wilson is the only above-average starter at receiver after Davante Adams hit the open market. The team made little effort to reinforce the receiving corps. General manager Darren Mougey did, however, bolster the offensive line in Round 1 and added tight end Mason Taylor in Round 2.

The Jets aren’t built to throw the ball 40 times every Sunday. They’re built to withstand Fields’ inconsistencies and optimize his strengths, setting the expectations for the upcoming season.

The defining question of New York’s offense will be what the passing game looks like with Fields under center. His potential is tantalizing, but four years of turbulence limit one’s confidence in his growth.

"QB Justin Fields has a rocket arm and is capable of some impressive, precision passes. He may often follow those by sailing throws high and wide,” Ralph Vacchiano wrote.

Fields can make just about any throw asked of him; it’s more a matter of how often he can actually execute it. The Jets, based on their offseason additions, aren’t interested in playing the volume game with Fields.

In 2024, Fields attempted 161 passes and 62 rushes, a ratio that signifies just how prevalent the ground game is to his success. According to Next Gen Stats’ charts, Fields attempted approximately 14 passes between the hash marks with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Between his long release and accuracy issues, it’s understandable why Pittsburgh took that route. New York, to some extent, may follow suit.

The Jets will limit Fields’ opportunities to hurt them by running the ball and getting the ball out quick to the boundary, effectively putting guardrails on the offense. If he’s going to stick as a starter or emerge as a franchise quarterback, Fields will have to prove it over the middle of the field instead.