As New York Jets training camp continues, quite easily the biggest storyline is the development of quarterback Justin Fields. Given the whole-scale change at signal-caller, offensive coordinator and head coach, things will look much different in 2025-26.
That can either be a good or bad thing. Fields will determine a good chunk of that. How is the fifth-year man progressing? Head coach Aaron Glenn provided a solid update following Monday’s practice.
Justin Fields Progressing but Not Out of the Woods
Glenn believes Fields is “really improving.” Now on the other side of a brief injury scare earlier in Jets camp, the former first-round pick is making plays on the practice field. Some of them didn’t register as complete, though.
Fields’ pass catchers must hold up their end of the bargain.
“That goes both ways from his part, with some of those throws he has to make, and then some of the guys have to make catches,” Glenn said. “I’m excited about that player, I’m excited about the things that he is going to be able to create for us, and every day, man, he’s just got to continue to keep chopping wood.”
Things for Fields and others have been far from perfect in recent weeks. Reports of Fields being “ineffective” in the Jets’ first live scrimmage didn’t inspire much confidence. Glenn has already cut a practice short in a session where his field general went 2-for-10. Despite that, he remains happy with what he’s seen overall.
“You go to the practice before we had the scrimmage, man, he was out of sight,” Glenn said. “I think you all wrote about that. And then the other day, it wasn’t as good, and you know what? That’s just the NFL. Man, I wish I could go out there and say this guy’s going to be at the top of his game, but that’s just not reality.”
Fields’ ability to persevere and remain focused on continued improvement, in Glenn’s eyes, is what will see him have success.
“He’s just got to keep chopping wood like he’s doing, and his personality is going to allow him to improve because of who he is,” Glenn said. “He’s a mature person. He understands when he doesn’t do well, I mean just like most of the guys out there, but I do know this, he’s going to continue to get better and better and better because of who he is. He’s shown that he can do it, and once you show me, I know you have that skill set. So, I’m looking forward to him getting better every week.”
Jets’ Rushing Options Can Alleviate Pressure From Fields in 2025-26
Acquiring another star receiver is one way to make Fields’ life easier. There is a more practical in-house way to do it, too. Not only does moving the football on the ground help keep opposing defenses honest and open passing windows, but it takes pressure off their starting quarterback. It also takes advantage of the strengths of the Jets’ personnel.
Starting halfback Breece Hall is as motivated as ever to turn in a quality season. It’ll help him financially while simultaneously giving New York the best chance to win. Glenn has big plans for the fourth-year man both as a rusher and receiving threat. Behind him, Braelon Allen is healthy following a knee injury. He’s a great complement to Hall as a change-of-pace back who can help in short yardage. Isaiah Davis shouldn’t be forgotten, either.
Fields himself can get going on the ground as well. In 28 games between the 2022 and 2023 campaigns, he amassed a whopping 1,800 yards and 12 touchdowns as a rusher. That’s on an average of 6.3 yards per attempt, which is tremendous. For reference, Baltimore Ravens superstar Lamar Jackson has a career average of 6.1 yards. By committing to the run, the Jets can give Fields a better set of circumstances to work with.
At the end of the day, it’s on Fields to justify New York’s decision to sign him. He isn’t in the clear yet, but Glenn seems pleased with his development anyway.
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