It was all good just a week ago for the Jets and Justin Fields.
Gang Green won their preseason opener against Green Bay last weekend, with quarterback Justin Fields and the offense having a successful outing.
However, it was a much different story for Fields and the Jets’ first-team offense during their game against the Giants. He completed just 1-of-5 passes for four yards against the Giants.
The starting offense, minus rookie right tackle Armand Membou, played just two series. The Jets offense gained just 63 yards in the first quarter, with four of them coming in the passing game.
Gang Green began the night with excellent field position, but it was wasted away after gaining just one first down.
Fields and the offense started at their 42, following a 38-yard kick return by Kene Nwangwu. But they gained just 12 yards on seven plays after Fields was pressured by Kayvon Thibodeaux and completed just 1-of-4 passes for four yards on the drive.
But instead of relying on the passing attack on their second drive like they did the previous drive, the Jets turned into a physical team. Out of their 11 plays on that drive, the Jets ran the ball nine times. They achieved significant success after gaining 47 yards and reaching field goal range. But the drive stalled out after Fields’ pass to Garrett Wilson was incomplete and they settled for a 38-yard Nick Folk field goal.
One of the areas Jets coach Aaron Glenn has emphasized throughout training camp is trying to make them a more physical team. Last year, the Jets were last in rushing attempts.
The Jets want to be a run-heavy offense because one of their strengths is the offensive line and their running backs. Fields also brings athleticism by using his legs after rushing for 2,509 yards in four seasons.
However, the passing game remains an area of concern as the regular season draws near. Fields had uneven practices throughout the summer, including the two against the Giants this week, in which the Jets failed to move the ball through the air against a vaunted pass rush. He also struggled with accuracy issues and holding onto the ball too long, problems that had plagued him during his previous stints with the Bears and Steelers.
Against the Packers last week, Fields was efficient after completing 3-of-4 passes for 42 yards. He also scored on a 13-yard touchdown run.
The Jets’ defense, which has been a top-five unit statistically the last three seasons, also got off to a rough start against the Giants. After pinning the Giants at their seven-yard line to begin their first drive, Russell Wilson completed an 80-yard pass to Beaux Collins as he beat Andre Cisco and Qwan’tez Stiggers in coverage. That set up a one-year touchdown run by Devin Singletary.
Nine players did not participate in Saturday’s game, including defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and pass rusher Jermaine Johnson. Cornerback Sauce Gardner wasn’t listed among the players who wouldn’t participate, but he also didn’t play.
The Jets will close out preseason action on Friday when they will host the Eagles.
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