Throughout his NFL career, holding onto the ball for too long has been a significant issue for New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields.

That has continued in 2025. Fields ranks second in the NFL with an average time to throw of 3.24 seconds.

Fields, though, doesn’t think time-to-throw is a “credible” stat.

Speaking to the media in London ahead of the team’s Week 6 matchup against the Denver Broncos at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Fields addressed concerns about his time to throw.

“I don’t really look at stats, if I’m being honest with you. I didn’t know that [his time to throw],” Fields said. “I’m not on social media. My job is to put as many points on the board, whether that’s the least amount of time to throw or most.

“I feel like that’s not a good indicator. Because you got guys that scramble and they count that. So it’s like, yeah, pocket passers are going to have the least time to throw because they scramble the least. I remember one of my years in Chicago, they said I had the longest time to throw, too, but at the same time, I’m scrambling behind the line of scrimmage, so of course they’re going to count that. So, I don’t think that’s a credible stat, so to say, if I’m being honest with you.”

Fields emphasized the importance of getting the ball out quickly against an excellent Denver pass rush on Sunday.

“It’s always important to get the ball out fast just to help the offensive line, but it’s going to be super important this week,” said Fields. “Of course, they have a great front, two great edge rushers, and guys on the inside who get the job done. It’s always important to get the ball out fast and be efficient.”

In his first four NFL seasons, Fields developed a reputation for holding the ball longer than almost any quarterback in football. The issue stemmed from a mix of hesitation, slow reads, and a lengthy release that often left him vulnerable in the pocket. Instead of pushing the ball downfield, those delays frequently turned into sacks and turnovers.

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The Jets believed their scheme could iron out those flaws and keep him on schedule. That optimism seemed justified based on his performance a year ago, when Fields cut his average time to throw to 3.09 seconds in six starts with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the quickest mark of his career.

But the early returns in 2025 have been discouraging. Fields’ inability to get the ball out has contributed to him losing the sixth-most yards from sacks (93) and tying for the league lead in fumbles (3).

To have any success against a stout Denver defense, Fields will need to get the ball out of his hands in time, or it will be another long day for New York’s offense (until they pad their stats in the fourth quarter, that is).