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Justin Fields Key To Shocking Faith in ‘Scrappy’ Jets' AFC East Chances

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Adam Schultz | Last updated Jul 7, 2025 9:22 PM ET

When it comes to the AFC East in 2025, no one has the New York Jets in the conversation, and in truth, after last season, nor should they.

Aaron Glenn's new regime is headlined by Justin Fields, who himself has questions to answer over his ability to be a solid NFL starter. His weapons leave a lot to be desired, with only Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson seen as ones defenses have to keep an eye on.

Defensively, the unit is expected to improve with Glenn at the helm, and when we throw that all in together, maybe the Jets could surprise a few people this upcoming season.

For CBS Sports' Tyler Sullivan, Fields's ability to improve could make the Jets a scrappy team in the division.

"If Fields can now limit turnovers, make timely throws, and still be dynamic with his legs, that's enough for New York to be scrappy in the division race," Sullivan writes. "That's especially true if the defense continues to be stout after a 2024 season where they held opponents to a 5.0 yards per play average, which was tied for the second-lowest in the NFL."

While the Jets were 1-6 in the division last year, they had three one-score losses to the Bills, Patriots, and Broncos, so it wasn't exactly blowouts all the time.

Could New York, under Glenn, bring some calm to the organization that was wrapped up in the Aaron Rodgers circus last year?

Fan’s might find this shocking, but …

We think so.

Now, whether that translates to on-field success is unknown, and the Jets still aren't going to be legitimate AFC East contenders. But we don't have to look too far to see the Washington Commanders' jump from the NFL doldrums to NFC contenders last season.

Could something similar happen?

Yes, it's unlikely, but never say never.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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