Justin Fields hoping 'worst' game of season is behind Jets

New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields impressed his coaches and teammates with his performance in this past Sunday's 34-32 home loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Nevertheless, Fields made it clear while speaking with reporters on Wednesday that he hopes the best is yet to come for the Gang Green offense. 

Justin Fields putting "worst" outing of season behind him

"You just want to keep improving," Fields explained, according to Antwan Staley of the New York Daily News. "I think [Jets defensive tackle Harrison Phillips] said it in his interview. We are hoping it is the worst game we played all season. That’s the kind of mindset we want to have. And we want to continue to get better, continue to be better each and every game, and just continue to improve. I think this Sunday was a good way to start out the season, other than the loss. But as an offense, I think we played well."

According to ESPN stats, only three teams accumulated more rushing yards than the Jets (182) in Week 1. Meanwhile, Fields completed 16-of-22 passes for 218 yards and a touchdown against Pittsburgh. He also rushed for 48 yards and two scores on 12 attempts. 

Per Pro Football Reference, Fields ranks 10th in the NFL among qualified players with a 79.4 adjusted QBR and fifth with a 119.1 passer rating. 

"There's a lot of stuff that we can improve on," Fields acknowledged, as shared by Susanna Weir of the Jets' website. "There were some plays that you want back always. And we're playing an imperfect game, but we're trying to be perfect. [Head coach Aaron Glenn] said that to us out there today. We're looking to be perfect. We all understand that it's not necessarily going to be like that, but that's what we're striving for."

Justin Fields knows what needs to be done vs. Bills

The Jets will next face a Buffalo Bills side that scored 22 fourth-quarter points to earn a thrilling 41-40 win over the Baltimore Ravens this past Sunday night. Fields seems to understand he could be in for a slugfest at MetLife Stadium in Week 2. 

"We're always ready to put up a lot of points," Fields said. "But our goal is to put up one more point than them on Sunday, so that's all that matters."

As of Thursday morning, ESPN Bet had the Jets as 6.5-point underdogs against the Bills.