Jets coaches ready to unveil new Justin Fields approach

Let it rip.

That’s the message the New York Jets are sending quarterback Justin Fields following Sunday’s abysmal offensive performance.

A 13-11 loss to the Denver Broncos — in which the Jets recorded -10 passing yards — left the entire organization searching for answers.

For offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand, it was enough to go back to the drawing board and reassess his approach as a play-caller.

“Just a subpar day,” Engstrand told reporters Thursday. “It was not good enough in all areas. We just have to continue to clean up our details, make sure that I’m on point as well, putting those guys in the best position possible.”

The Jets have some things to build upon offensively. They rank fifth-best in rushing yards per game (135.7), and their young offensive line is improving in both confidence and production.

But at 0-6, the positives have been overshadowed by the team’s glaring weaknesses, most notably at quarterback and in the passing game.

That’s where “letting it rip” may be the solution.

Jets push for aggressive offense

The Jets are among the worst teams in the league when it comes to explosive plays. Their inability to push the ball downfield has limited Engstrand’s creativity in play designs.

Speaking to reporters Wednesday, Fields admitted the lack of aggressiveness stemmed from his own emphasis on ball security. That could change as the team prepares for Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers.

“I feel like I’ve been a little bit too conservative in a sense,” Fields said. “Probably [need to] just be a little bit more aggressive.

“I’ve always just been big on ball security and not putting the ball in jeopardy, but it comes to a point where you just got find that healthy balance between trying to maybe fit it in smaller windows and just letting it rip.”

Fields has yet to throw an interception this season, but his 6.5 yards per attempt is the lowest of his career. It’s a sign that his fear of making mistakes is limiting the offense’s potential.

That was evident in last week’s loss to Denver. Fields was sacked nine times and averaged more than four seconds per dropback. His hesitation, coupled with a lack of trust in his reads, contributed to one of the worst offensive performances in team history.

Since then, both Engstrand and Fields have vowed to make the necessary changes to unlock the unit’s full potential.

Adjustments are on the way

Engstrand said he believes Fields can thrive by being more aggressive and taking deep shots, which would force opposing defenses to adjust.

“He can go ahead and push the ball down the field,” Engstrand said. “He’s got confidence in his receivers that they’re going to go make a play, and I don’t have a problem whatsoever with him having that mindset going forward, saying, ‘Hey, I’m going to go on ahead and I’m going to just let this thing fly,’ and our guys are going to go make a play.”

That plan may face a challenge Sunday.

Wide receiver Garrett Wilson is listed as doubtful for the game. For an offense already struggling through the air, playing without its top pass catcher will be a significant blow.

The pressure is on Engstrand to scheme receivers open and trust that Fields can deliver the ball.

But the biggest shift needs to come from Fields himself.

If the fourth-year quarterback plays without fear of mistakes and adopts a “go down swinging” mentality, the Jets may see more turnovers, but they’ll also be far less predictable.

That could finally open the playbook for Engstrand.