After facing a challenging day at practice last week, Jets quarterback Justin Fields expressed his eagerness to participate in each of the team’s preseason games. His primary goal is to enhance the performance of the offense as they prepare for the upcoming regular season. Fields took the field to kick off Saturday’s game against the Packers, and his performance marked a significant improvement from the previous practice session.
During the game, Fields showcased his skills by leading the Jets on an impressive 10-play, 79-yard drive, culminating in a sensational 13-yard touchdown run. He completed 3 of 4 passes for a total of 42 yards, demonstrating his ability to efficiently manage the offense. After this standout performance, Fields spent the remainder of the night observing from the sidelines, allowing his teammates to take the spotlight.
Following the game, Jets head coach Aaron Glenn praised Fields for his contribution, stating that he did “everything we needed” in his brief appearance. Glenn noted the scrutiny that comes with playing quarterback, emphasizing Fields' maturity and resilience in the face of criticism. “I’ve told you guys this, and I’ll tell him this, he’s going to get criticized for every little thing,” Glenn remarked in a team transcript. “The good thing about him is he is so mature, and we talk about this on a consistent basis — he doesn’t care.”
Glenn further elaborated on the team's perspective, highlighting their focus on Fields’ development: “The only thing that we care about is how is he operating and is he getting better, and we see that in house. We love where he’s at right now.” He acknowledged that while Fields has room for improvement, his dedication and work ethic are undeniable. “Does he have a way to go? Absolutely he does. Is he going to continue to work? Absolutely he will, because that’s just who he is.”
While one series may not seem significant in the grand scheme of the season, it represents a positive step for the Jets as they aim to establish a new direction heading into 2025. With Fields at the helm and the support of his coaching staff, the team is optimistic about the future and the potential for success in the upcoming season.