As the New York Jets gear up for the upcoming season, the team's offensive strategy is becoming increasingly clear, albeit with some lingering questions. Under the guidance of offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand, the Jets seem to be emphasizing a run-heavy approach. This strategy was evident during their recent preseason matchup against the Giants, where the offensive playbook appeared straightforward: establish the run with key players like Breece Hall, Braelon Allen, and Justin Fields, and only throw when absolutely necessary.
In the team's annual preseason clash with the Giants, the Jets initially struggled, giving up an early touchdown. However, they responded by running the ball on their first 10 plays of a drive, showcasing their commitment to the ground game. Fields even scrambled on a designed passing play, demonstrating that his mobility adds an unpredictable element to the offense. Despite this focus on rushing, head coach Aaron Glenn expressed dissatisfaction with the team's overall performance, stating, “In general, it wasn’t good enough.”
The Jets managed to gain 47 rushing yards and added 5 yards from penalties before kicker Nick Folk successfully converted a 38-yard field goal, hinting at a potential return to the team's traditional “Ground and Pound” style. “We know that if we can just hunker down and get our guys to run the ball,” Glenn remarked, “that’s an advantage for us.” Nevertheless, with the starting offense only executing 19 plays, concerns about the team's passing attack lingered.
Despite the focus on the ground game, Fields struggled to establish a rhythm in the passing game, completing just 1 of 5 passes for a mere 4 yards. His sole completion came during a bootleg to rookie tight end Mason Taylor. “We ain’t playing for real yet,” wide receiver Garrett Wilson said, reflecting the need for the offense to refine its execution before the regular season. Fields, who has a history of strong performances, will need to shake off this underwhelming display, which included a problematic one-hopper on a wide receiver screen that resulted in Wilson taking an unnecessary hit.
Glenn's assessment of the passing attack was frank: “It’s up and down. There have been a lot of ups in camp that I like. Today was not one of those days, which was obvious.” The search for a reliable second receiver for Fields continues, with players like Brandon Smith and Quentin Skinner emerging as potential contenders after solid performances with backup quarterbacks.
Interestingly, when the Jets faced a crucial third-and-8 situation, the decision was made to hand the ball to the powerful Allen, who bulldozed his way for an 11-yard gain. This reflects a growing confidence in their running backs, especially since the Jets ranked last in the NFL for rushing attempts just a year ago. With significant injuries affecting the roster, including the absence of running back Isaiah Davis, the Jets are committed to establishing the run, a tactic that aligns with their historical strengths.
With the regular season approaching and just four full practices remaining, the question arises: Will Fields take the field again against the Eagles? Observers are skeptical, as the Jets need all the live reps they can get to fine-tune their offensive strategy before facing the formidable Pittsburgh Steelers led by Aaron Rodgers. “I’m always going to say we have room to improve,” Fields concluded, emphasizing the need for ongoing development.
As the Jets continue their preparations, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the team can refine their passing attack while maintaining their strong running game.
