Why QB Justin Fields might run into Jets, NFL historical past books

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — A take a look at what’s occurring across the New York Jets:

1. Fields day: Look by means of the workforce’s quarterbacking historical past, and you’ll find principally statuesque pocket passers. Now take a look at Justin Fields. What he is doing with the ball in his fingers is unprecedented.

“He by no means ceases to amaze me,” coach Aaron Glenn stated.

“Fairly superior,” offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand stated.

Fields is averaging 59.3 dashing yards per sport, greater than among the high-profile working backs in Jets historical past:

Greater than Breece Corridor‘s common in 2023 and 2024; greater than Le’Veon Bell in 2019 (and Bell was paid $13 million per 12 months); and greater than Jets legend Matt Snell within the 1968 Tremendous Bowl season.

At his present tempo, Fields will end with 949 yards, virtually tripling Geno Smith’s workforce mark for many dashing yards by a quarterback within the Tremendous Bowl period (366 in 2013).

Fields’ signature play got here final Monday evening, his 43-yard landing scramble by which he reversed discipline, eluded 4 would-be tacklers and outran the remainder of the Miami Dolphins‘ protection. Based mostly on GPS monitoring, he coated 86 yards and hit a max pace of 20 mph, in response to Subsequent Gen Stats.

Tight finish Jeremy Ruckert, who performed with him at Ohio State, stated it was “undoubtedly the very best one” he is seen from Fields.

“He had some in school the place you can inform how briskly he’s, beating pursuit angles and stuff,” Ruckert stated. “However that one, simply so far as making individuals miss, zigzagging left and proper — it was onerous to dam for him on that play as a result of I did not know the place he was going.”

Fields and Ravens star Lamar Jackson have dominated the quarterback dashing stats in recent times. Former Ravens cornerback Brandon Stephens was requested to match the 2.

“Lamar’s model is, he is in a class of his personal on the subject of working,” Stephens stated. “Clearly, Justin has an even bigger construct. He can run round you, and he can decrease his shoulder as properly.”

If Fields had been to hurry for over 1,000 yards, he and Jackson could be the one two quarterbacks to hit that mark twice.

Fields’ scrambling has accounted for about 10% of the Jets’ complete yards on offense. When issues go awry, “he is there to save lots of the day,” Engstrand stated.

2. There goes the excess: Operating again Braelon Allen‘s knee harm, which is able to sideline him for eight to 12 weeks, might affect the Jets’ plans forward of the Nov. 4 buying and selling deadline.

Corridor, the topic of commerce rumors for the reason that draft, is their solely confirmed again. They’d be leaving themselves quick on the place by buying and selling him and handing the RB1 job to Isaiah Davis, who has solely 35 profession carries.

The Jets have given no indication they need to deal Corridor, however he most likely will generate curiosity as a result of he is within the ultimate 12 months of his contract and the workforce could possibly be out of competition.

3. Dropsies: The Jets have a fumbling drawback. They do it an excessive amount of — a league-high six misplaced fumbles — they usually do not capitalize when their opponents do it.

“I simply really feel like we by no means get well them,” cornerback Sauce Gardner stated.

He isn’t improper.

The protection has compelled 5 fumbles, none of which had been recovered by the Jets. Fairly outstanding, contemplating the leaguewide restoration charge for the protection is 52%

They ran fumble restoration drills in apply this week. In addition they did ball safety drills, with Glenn carrying a boxing glove and attempting to punch out the ball.

4. Watch it, bro: The Jets host the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, a particular sport for rookie cornerback Azareye’h Thomas. His older brother, Juanyeh Thomas, performs security for the Cowboys. Each gamers are closely concerned on particular groups, which implies they may cross paths on the sector.

“He stated if he sees me, he’ll attempt to go up underneath my chin,” stated Azareye’h, who promised to do the identical. “Me and him, we at all times had that aggressive nature about us.”

Juanyeh stated: “My mama, she referred to as me on the cellphone in tears, like, ‘Rattling, each of my sons are enjoying in opposition to one another.’ It is a actually cool factor.”

Stephanie Thomas is planning to attend the sport, together with a few dozen relations. The brothers stated they have been trash speaking for the reason that schedule was launched in Could.

5. Lion factor: One of many areas they have to clear up is the pre-snap penalties on offense. They’ve 10, together with six final week. Solely 5 groups have greater than 10. There’s nothing extra maddening than a psychological mistake that prices you.

So what’s inflicting them? It is value analyzing the offensive system and its current historical past.

Engstrand employs a motion-heavy scheme that he introduced with him from the Detroit Lions. When the Lions put in the system in 2021, underneath OC Ben Johnson, they led the league with 32 pre-snap penalties. The next 12 months, they lower the quantity by greater than half (14).

It would not sound like Engstrand has any plans to simplify, though he stated they “put some issues in movement which are going to assist treatment” the problem. A facet be aware, Johnson’s present workforce, the Chicago Bears, additionally has a whole lot of pre-snap penalties on offense (11).

It is not onerous to attach the dots right here. It is a confirmed system, however one which comes with rising pains.

6. Spectacular rookie: One of many vibrant spots on offense is rookie proper deal with Armand Membou, who has made a seamless transition into the NFL.

He’s the one offensive lineman on the workforce and not using a penalty; that alone is worthy of a shoutout. The seventh total decide is also bodily within the run sport, and he ranks eighth amongst all tackles in move block win charge, per ESPN Analytics.

It will’ve been enjoyable to see Membou in opposition to Micah Parsons, however … properly, you understand.

7. New nickel? Jarvis Brownlee Jr. is predicted to make his Jets debut, possible changing Michael Carter II (concussion) because the nickelback. Brownlee, acquired final week in a commerce with the Tennessee Titans, is considered as greater than only a stop-gap participant. He is signed by means of 2027 and will play his manner into the group’s long-term plans.

He’s penalty-prone, however he is considered a superb, bodily tackler. “He matches our DNA,” defensive coordinator Steve Wilks stated.

8. Do you know? The Jets need to keep away from an 0-3 begin at residence. Previously 25 years, they’ve had one 0-3 begin — 2020 (misplaced their first seven at residence) — however do not be misled into pondering they seem to be a good residence workforce. Removed from it.

Since 2014, they’ve the worst residence file within the league (35-57). If Glenn desires buy-in from a skeptical fan base, he must reverse that development.

Together with a whole lot of different ones.

9. Woe, McDonald: In coaching camp, the coaches raved about Will McDonald IV‘s enchancment in opposition to the run. In soccer, the proof often is within the enjoying time. In his case, his enjoying time suggests the coaches nonetheless have some questions.

McDonald is barely fourth on the defensive position in snaps performed as a result of he comes off the sector on some apparent run downs, splitting time with Braiden McGregor. Because of this backup finish Micheal Clemons has logged extra snaps than McDonald by means of 4 video games.

Statistically, the run protection is a lot better when McDonald is off the sector (3.2 yards per rush) than on it (4.9) — the most important differential amongst their linemen.

10. The final phrase: “We will flip this factor round. … And when it does, it should really feel actual good.” — vast receiver Garrett Wilson.