While Aaron Rodgers certainly divided the New York Jets fan base with his polarizing nature, his replacement isn’t immune to such treatment.
Former WFAN radio host and self-proclaimed rabid Jets fan Craig Carton recently made an interesting comparison on Fox Sports 1’s “Breakfast Ball.” Boomer Esiason’s ex-morning show tag-team partner compared Jets quarterback Justin Fields with Zach Wilson.
“This is me being as real as possible,” Carton started. “Justin Fields is just a black version of Zach Wilson. (He’s) the same exact guy and Zach’s the white version of Justin Fields.”
Fields, 26, agreed on a 2-year deal worth $40 million ($30 million in guarantees) with the Jets on the first day of free agency (Monday). Although his athletic and running abilities are off the charts, his tape presents incredible challenges for offensive coordinators at the NFL level.
By no means is a Fields-led offense destined to fail in every scenario, but conventional wisdom leads many to believe it’s a tougher chore to produce offensive numbers when the quarterback is limited from the pocket.
So, in that regard, as nutty as Carton can get at times, from a pure passing standpoint, a Fields-Wilson comparison isn’t crazy in the least. However, what Fields can do with his legs is leaps and bounds more dominant than the former Jets quarterback—who was drafted nine picks earlier.
“They’re great with their legs, (and) they’ve got some mesmerizing film,” Carton added. “‘Oh my gosh; how’d he ever make that throw?’
“They both stink!”
Placing the two side-by-side regarding highlight-reel throws on film and running ability is pure nonsense. Wilson has the clear edge in the first category, whereas only Lamar Jackson can compare to Fields’s rushing ability and potential.
Today’s NFL does offer a pathway for a rushing-first offense that features the quarterback, but it can only find true success if the coaching staff understands what it has. To accomplish that realization, ignorance simply cannot get in the way.
No matter what Craig Carton or anybody thinks about New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields, Aaron Glenn’s offense can be something—if (and only if) the coaching staff is willing to take the correct approach.
