-
Rich Cimini
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Regarding quarterback Justin Fields, the New York Jets aren’t boasting excessively, yet they are finding joy in his Week 1 showing, conveying they recognized his potential for noteworthy achievements.
“He’s still developing; we’re still developing,” expressed wide receiver Garrett Wilson on Thursday. “We’re collectively enthusiastic regarding the chances we possess to demonstrate to everyone our capabilities.”
Fields, who faced criticism from supporters and commentators for an inconsistent preseason, delivered one of the finest performances of his career in his Jets introduction. He rushed for a pair of touchdowns, threw for another, and completed 16 of 22 passes for 218 aerial yards. His Total QBR (79.4) marked his seventh highest across 45 starts.
The Jets experienced a narrow defeat to the Pittsburgh Steelers, 34-32, yet Fields’ showing has instilled the squad with assurance as they gear up for the Buffalo Bills (1-0) on Sunday at MetLife Stadium.
Wilson, who collaborated with Fields at Ohio State, stated that his quarterback’s assertive approach and eagerness to run are impacting his teammates. He rushed 12 times for 48 yards against the Steelers.
“This sport appreciates individuals who are passionate about it … and he is passionate about the sport,” Wilson remarked. “He approaches it correctly and possesses the appropriate attitude. Each instance he enters the field, all the teammates, that element is transferable, isn’t it?
“Thus, when your quarterback exhibits that, it’s as if you lack a choice. I’m going to rise promptly following a hit or whatever the situation may entail because you observe him doing it.”
Following the release of Aaron Rodgers, the Jets secured Fields with a two-year, $40 million agreement as a free agent, anticipating he could revive his career. During the opening contest, he presented better-than-anticipated precision, directing the ball into some confined spaces.
Fields primarily operated within the pocket, where he had encountered difficulties previously, yet he also executed improvised plays.
“Instances such as that for receivers resemble a fantasy,” explained Wilson, who secured seven receptions for 95 yards and a touchdown. “Unexpectedly, you’re simply executing routes, and you attain the breakaway and participate in street football momentarily and it’s open. Indeed, we’re collectively enthusiastic.”
Jets coach Aaron Glenn advised that it constituted merely a solitary game and that Fields remains a “work in progress,” yet he couldn’t resist a subtle remark directed at the media.
“I believe each of you were scrutinizing him throughout the preseason concerning his perceived limitations, and I believe he simply showcased his capabilities,” Glenn noted.
When Fields launched a 33-yard touchdown to Wilson, it elicited memories for center Josh Myers, who collaborated with them at Ohio State. The initial individual to congratulate Wilson was tight end Jeremy Ruckert, another former Buckeye.
“I conveyed to [Justin] it was akin to 2019 reoccurring,” Myers expressed.
Fields stated: “It felt reminiscent of past occasions, certainly.”
Fields might be deprived of starting receiver Josh Reynolds (hamstring), who was listed on the injury report on Thursday and did not participate in practice. Veterans Tyler Johnson and Allen Lazard, who were inactive last week, would likely accompany Wilson as the primary three receivers for the game if Reynolds is inactive. Cornerback Sauce Gardner (groin) has a recent injury and had limited participation in practice.
