Justin Fields’ profession has been outlined by a collection of ups and downs. Chicago or Pittsburgh, there have been highs and lows. Throughout his first staff practices with the New York Jets, that story hasn’t modified. Per SNY beat author Connor Hughes, Fields’ outcomes throughout OTA practices had been blended.
In 7-on-7 skeleton drills, Fields shined.
“He appeared stable within the seven-on-seven portion of observe,” Hughes wrote on Twitter/X earlier this week. “There may be plain zip on his passes. He had two highlights (one to Garrett Wilson, one other to Allen Lazard) within the deeper center portion of the sphere between a couple of defenders. Very fairly.”
These drills are tailor-made for the offense. No move rush and clear throwing lanes. They function constructing blocks to run core ideas and construct timing and chemistry with new receivers, although Fields has a longtime relationship with WR Garrett Wilson. The 2 had been teammates at Ohio State.
As soon as the staff got here collectively for full 11-on-11 drills, although nonetheless with out pads and restricted contact, Fields wasn’t as sharp.
“The protection sacked Fields on six of his 10 drop backs,” Hughes tweeted. “Fields accomplished three of the opposite 4. Two had been dump-offs to Jeremy Ruckert. One was a brief move to Wilson.
“The miss was a bit of alarming. The Jets blitzed. Offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand dialed up an ideal beater that had Josh Reynolds open on a nook route with out security assist. It appeared a reasonably straightforward pitch-and-catch for a would-be lengthy gainer (potential landing). Fields missed him fairly dangerous.”
Hughes famous the Jets’ offensive line did Fields no favors. Although the staff added first-round decide Armand Membou to play proper deal with, the remainder of the unit returns. Like Pittsburgh, how properly a younger o-line performs will dictate the offense’s effectiveness. Hughes additionally added climate circumstances weren’t superb however the Jets received’t precisely play in sunny, 70 diploma climate come September.
After a 12 months rehabbing his play and picture in Pittsburgh, New York took the possibility on him this offseason. Outbidding the Steelers, Fields inked a two-year, $40 million deal. The Jets added zero competitors this summer season, placing Fields squarely within the driver’s seat.
Concrete evaluations this early into the 2025 season are foolhardy and to be clear, Hughes isn’t making any. He’s providing preliminary observations, simply as Steelers’ beat reporters will on Pittsburgh’s new additions starting subsequent week (and us come coaching camp). Nonetheless, Fields’ play will probably be below the microscope all season. For what the Jets’ gained, what the Steelers’ misplaced, and who made the proper determination. The first take a look at comes Week One when Pittsburgh and New York meet.
