For an offense that ranks among the worst in the NFL in several key areas, the New York Jets can at least take solace in one thing:
Their play-caller isn’t the problem.
Throughout the 2025 season, offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand has worked with a limited skill-position group to find ways to scheme players open and generate points.
The lack of talent in crucial spots has capped the Jets’ offensive ceiling—and New York’s newest wide receivers illustrate exactly what Engstrand is up against.
Engstrand’s new receivers
After weeks of relying heavily on Garrett Wilson to carry the passing game, the Jets acquired two young wideouts before the trade deadline: former second-round pick Adonai Mitchell, previously with the Indianapolis Colts, and John Metchie III, who spent time with the Philadelphia Eagles and Houston Texans.
Mitchell and Metchie share similar skill sets that fit Engstrand’s system. Both know how to separate and can create yards after the catch.
The first-time play-caller said their transition has been encouraging.
“They’ve both done a really nice job picking up the nuances,” Engstrand said. “I’m really impressed with both of those players right now.”
Mitchell, though, struggled with several drops in New York’s 27–14 loss to the New England Patriots last week—an issue made more frustrating because he consistently found himself open.
Still, Engstrand isn’t concerned.
“If you watch his performance last week, I got it, the drops [happen] occasionally, but what I see there is separation,” Engstrand said. “I see separation. And to me, that gets me fired up, that gets me excited about that player and where he’s going to go. We haven’t even seen it. We haven’t even scratched the surface with that guy, and we’re excited about where he’s going to go.”
Engstrand values receivers who can win quickly, aligning with his “scheme-enhancing talent” philosophy. It is a concept he learned under former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.
But his enthusiasm for his receivers underscores why the Jets have struggled in Engstrand’s first season as a play-caller.
He doesn’t have the right quarterback for the offense.
The Jets’ future QB
Whether it was Engstrand or head coach Aaron Glenn who pushed for the move, the Jets signed running quarterback Justin Fields to be their 2025 starter.
Fields has never profiled as a drop-back passer and has struggled with decisiveness throughout his previous four seasons with the Chicago Bears and Pittsburgh Steelers.
Engstrand adjusted his philosophy early in the year to accommodate Fields’ limitations. New York ran more read-options, RPOs, and one-read passing concepts.
At times, the plan worked; the Jets put together solid drives in losses to Pittsburgh, Tampa Bay, and Miami.
But Fields’ limitations ultimately capped the offense. In four of the last five games, the Jets have failed to surpass 150 passing yards. While several issues contribute to those struggles, the film shows receivers running open.
Fields simply isn’t getting them the ball.
Engstrand’s system relies on a quarterback who can read defenses and deliver accurately—the same traits that helped Jared Goff thrive in Detroit.
It’s also why Indiana quarterback prospect Fernando Mendoza appears to be a natural fit for the Jets’ 2026 plans.
For as thin as the Jets’ receiving corps is, players have been getting open all year. That alone is a testament to Engstrand’s scheme.
If the Jets can pair him with a better quarterback, their offensive struggles may finally come to an end—at least heading into 2026.
