Oftentimes in sports, the world overlooks that environment matters a ton. Context and circumstances tell more – and mean more – than the box score. In recent NFL seasons, clubs like the Seattle Seahawks and Minnesota Vikings proved that it takes a perfect storm for some quarterbacks to thrive. The New York Jets will hope to continue that trend in 2025.
Can Justin Fields follow in the footsteps of redemption stories like Geno Smith and Sam Darnold? A similar developmental arc would surely benefit New York. A pair of prominent analysts believes it’s possible.
In the “Going for 2” segment on NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football,” Cynthia Frelund and former NFL linebacker Manti Te’o outlined why Fields will succeed in 2025.
Culture & Belief Will Prepare Justin Fields for Success in 2025
Frelund’s logic is simple: New York’s culture matters. She cites head coach Aaron Glenn and offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand as examples of that. Players are bought in.
“I think this is the type of thing where the culture feels different,” Frelund said. “The players I’ve talked to on the team are excited. I know Garrett Wilson‘s so, so, so happy, and that gratitude from both he and Sauce [Gardner] was real. So when I’m looking at the opportunity to succeed, when your coach believes in you, then you are going to have a much better opportunity to succeed.”
Te’o expanded on that, saying Fields will thrive given the overwhelming belief from those leading him.
“The reason why I think that Justin Fields is going to have a lot of success this year is that he doesn’t have to look to the sideline the entire game,” Te’o said. “When you’re a player and you’re constantly worried that the guy that keeps subbing you in and out is a threat to come sub you out that game, it puts you in a position where you feel the need to make some wild plays when the right play is to actually take the check-down.”
Now on his third team in as many years, Fields’ days as a starter could be numbered if he doesn’t have a good season. That appeared to be in jeopardy for a very brief period but fortunately for the former first-round pick, he’s merely day-to-day with a dislocated toe. Things are back to normal now, for the most part.
It’s now been three years since Fields had a career year with the Chicago Bears. Can the Jets get him back to progressing as a passer and feasting in the ground game? Frelund and Te’o seem optimistic.
Not Relying Too Heavily on Fields Could Be Jets’ Key
While expectations are high for Fields, there’s a more optimal path for success. Being a cog in the machine instead of the main piece could unlock him. If the 26-year-old cashes in on his goal to win games and make the playoffs, it’ll be because of the environment around him.
As mentioned, the run game is a critical element. Fields himself can help there, as evidenced by his 2022-23 effort in Chicago. In that season, he toted the ball 160 times for 1,143 yards and 8 touchdowns. His 7.1 yards per carry led the league. That year, he also threw for a career-high 17 touchdowns and posted his best QBR to date (56.3).
Running back Breece Hall is already on record setting a high bar for himself in 2025. He and Braelon Allen might serve as a formidable duo. Health willing, there’s upside for a dangerous rushing attack when adding Fields into the mix.
Having a reliable non-Wilson receiving option would go a long way for Fields, too. Right now, it seems that someone like Josh Reynolds at wideout or Mason Taylor at tight end will receive a hefty sum of targets. Running the ball well or having quality pass protection can offset a lack of firepower, but someone must relieve Wilson on certain downs.
There are certainly some Jets possibilities that make like harder for Fields. Having a reliable support system, however, could make the biggest difference of all.
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