The New York Jets sent Justin Fields to the bench in place of Tyrod Taylor in Week 12.
While he didn’t start the game, there was a thought that Fields could still help the team in a special set of plays as a running QB. That never happened.
ESPN’s Rich Cimini described Fields as not being a fan of that idea. Fields confirmed to the media that there had been “some discussion about using him in a Wildcat role.”
However, he had “mixed feelings” about it because “going in cold” could create “the potential for a soft-tissue injury.”
Fields’ Rushing Talents Have Never Been in Question
Fields, 26, averaged 139.9 passing yards per game this season. That ranks dead last in the NFL among quarterbacks that have appeared in at least nine games, per ESPN.
The former Ohio State product was benched due to consistently poor performances through the air. However, Fields was able to make plays with his legs.
Fields averaged 42.6 rushing yards per game this season. That ranks first among quarterbacks who have appeared in at least nine games, per ESPN.
On the “NFL on CBS” broadcast for the Jets versus the Baltimore Ravens game, Andrew Catalon revealed to the audience that the Ravens had prepared throughout the week to see a Fields rushing package. When head coach Aaron Glenn was asked about that during pre-broadcast meetings, he was “mum” on the subject matter — keeping things close to the vest.
Fields didn’t appear in a single snap during that contest.
Fields has the 16th most rushing yards by a QB in NFL history, per Statmuse. In 2022, Fields rushed for 1,143 rushing yards — that is the second most rushing yards by a quarterback in a single season in NFL history.
Uhm Excuse Me?
Mixed feelings? The Jets signed Fields to a two-year $40 million contract that featured $30 million in guaranteed money.
He performed poorly as a quarterback, so much so that the team had no choice but to bench him. ESPN NFL Insider Dan Graziano revealed that one of the big reasons the Jets made that move is so they could evaluate the rest of the offense. Graziano explained that it was a near-impossible task if Fields remained at quarterback.
So now the Jets say hey we won’t start you at quarterback, but you could help the team with your unique running gifts? Fields responds I’m not so sure about that.
He is under contract with the team. A coach tells you what to do, and the player executes the plan. That is how this process is supposed to work. The offensive game plan isn’t decided by how many players raise their hands and agree with it on a week-to-week basis.
Multiple insiders have already said the most likely next step for Fields and the Jets is a parting of ways during the offseason. The Jets already paid or are going to pay the $30 million guaranteed; the least they can get out of it is a player who can make the defense think twice when he’s on the field for a set of plays.
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