Sometimes, the only correct avenue to take when returning to form is to dust off the stench and hop back on that horse as quickly as possible. Other times—particularly in the National Football League—strategically jumping on the horse is much more advantageous.
Justin Fields and the New York Jets offense accomplished that on Thursday morning.
It’s one thing to understand that a turnaround did occur, but it’s another, much more important aspect to grasp how it transpired. How exactly did Fields shake off the stink of Saturday, Monday, and Tuesday?
Fields played ‘on time’ from the start
Justin Fields played “on time” Thursday morning. He was decisive from the jump, and Tanner Engstrand’s offense was much more recognizable.
Whereas the last few practices featured an offense almost portraying a traditional pocket-passing feel, Fields’s bounce-back showcased the concepts that fit his play style best.
Working in full gear in front of Jets fans, Fields started team sessions by finding Breece Hall in the flat for a modest gain. While it wasn’t a highlight by any means, the fact that he quickly turned to his secondary ready in the flat, on time, was encouraging.
His second pass was a stinker, as he dirted one to Andrew Beck in the short, middle-of-the-field area (secondary, outlet). Fortunately for Fields, Braelon Allen and the offensive line looked tremendous on this drive, which helped keep things alive.
Shortly after the Beck miss, Fields broke the pocket by flushing and taking off down the left sideline, picking up a first down. Although some coaches don’t encourage quarterbacks to “take off” in practice, as it limits the number of reps for the rest of the team, it’s evident that Fields was quick to make decisions on this day.
Instead of overthinking things and dancing in the pocket, his decisiveness took hold. This even included the plays where he decided to tuck it and run.
Later, Fields unloaded one to Garrett Wilson on a quick design that picked up a handful of yards. Sure, the in-breaking route was straightforward and three-step dependent, but Fields’s arm angle (to avoid the pass rush and find a window) was the noteworthy item on the play.
Once in the red zone, Fields found Wilson for a 10-15-yard touchdown on a well-thrown ball. All his WR1 had to do was find the soft spot against the coverage, and the quarterback did the rest.
It’s about structure
As previously written, the Engstrand offense is about timing. Furthermore, Fields’s best chance to flourish as a well-rounded quarterback comes when his timing within Engstrand’s scheme is correct.
Justin Fields’s potential Jets success boils down to structure, and on Thursday, the Jets’ coaches provided the offense with much more structure.
The next team session focused on green zone work (starting at the opponent’s 40-yard line). One or two WR screens were spotted, including one leading to Garrett Wilson’s familiar fall-down dancing routine. (I’d bet the house that Aaron Glenn wants Wilson to make more decisive, straightforward cuts in his RAC opportunities.)
Although the drive ended in a controversial Fields rushing touchdown (I believe Quincy Williams had the angle on him, but the officials disagreed), an ugly interception occurred on the drive (but did not count via a flag).
After Fields flushed left, weapons played the backyard game. Therefore, the entire field began moving to the left sideline (offense’s left). Fields unloaded a ball near the sideline for tight end Jeremy Ruckert, which deflected off his hands and into Brandon Stephens’s breadbasket.
Any coach would want his tight end to make the tough grab, but it’s important to note how tough of a grab it truly was. The pass turned out to go against the grain and to the inside, a quarterback sin.
When flushing that hard to the sideline, the ball must be delivered in a safe place towards the sideline. Anything to the inside is akin to danger. The result was a pass that forced Ruckert to stretch both hands as far inside as possible, ultimately creating the tipped ball and interception.
Despite the interception, Justin Fields rebounded nicely Thursday morning. Forget the completions and attempts; the New York Jets’ quarterback executing the offense decisively and “on time” is what truly matters.
Jets camp news and notes
Running back Braelon Allen continues to look tremendous. At his size, the sophomore Wisconsin product is a menace on the field.
One particular rush Thursday morning was beyond impressive. His hesitation move into a near-dead, straightforward stop while sliding to the right should have dropped far more jaws than it did.
Rookie wideout Arian Smith was spotted working the Jugs machine after practice:
After practice, Aaron Glenn confirmed that the starters will play against the Green Bay Packers on Saturday night. However, he did not detail how much they’ll play.
There will be no media availability on Friday as the New York Jets prepare for their Week 1 preseason clash at Lambeau Field.