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Justin Fields Sends Clear Message About Jets’ Offensive Concerns

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jake Elman | Last updated Aug 20, 2025 9:15 AM ET

Justin Fields is tasked with one of the hardest assignments any quarterback could dream of: leading the New York Jets back to the playoffs.

Offensive woes have held the Jets back for years, dating back to Mark Sanchez’s four-year tenure as New York’s starting quarterback from 2009-12. The Jets have tried first-round picks (the less said about Zach Wilson, the better), veteran journeymen, and even got a relatively strong season from Aaron Rodgers last year.

However, the Jets haven’t reached the postseason since 2010, and questions are quickly mounting about Fields and the team’s current offense. Although Fields hasn’t thrown a pass that traveled at least 10 yards, he made it clear on Tuesday that dinking-and-dunking isn’t always a bad thing.

“I mean, we’re fine with taking eight-yard completions every play, if I’m being honest with you,” Fields told reporters.

“Of course you want explosives,” the fifth-year quarterback continued, “but, like I said Saturday, we’re not going to force the ball downfield.”

Fields went 1-for-5 with a four-yard completion to rookie tight end Mason Taylor in last Saturday’s 31-12 loss to the Giants. He added a five-yard completion before Adrian Martinez entered for the Jets’ third drive.

By the sound of things, don’t expect to see Fields throw the deep ball too often. Fields said he wants the Jets’ offense to have extended drives, preferably featuring at least 10 plays, and take time off the clock.

“It might not be as exciting on the offensive side of the ball for the fans,” Fields said, “but like I said, it’s efficient ball. It’s also getting the defense tired just driving down the field like that.”

Considering that the Jets haven’t finished higher than 24th in points per game in nearly a decade, we’re sure that fans will take whatever they get if it means returning to the playoffs.

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

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