New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields played against the Pittsburgh Steelers like a player with something to prove. After one season in the Steel City, the former Chicago Bears signal-caller wanted to show they had made a mistake.
Fields made life difficult for the Steelers' defense with his arm and legs. The 26-year-old completed 16 of 22 passes for 218 passing yards and one touchdown. Meanwhile, Fields ran for 48 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the ground.
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Despite losing the contest 34-32, Fields didn't hold back on his performance, throwing shade at the Steelers' defense for the numbers he was able to put up even in the loss.
"I'm just calling it what it is," Fields said postgame (h/t SNY). "They acquired all these guys in the offseason. Future Hall of Famers on that side of the ball, and we put up 32. There were still plays that were left out there. Like I said, all we got to do is keep building, keep getting better, and we'll be good."
In March, Fields and the Jets agreed to a two-year, $40 million deal, including $30 million in guarantees, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
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If the Ohio State product puts together a strong 2025 season, it could draw more scrutiny toward the Steelers for not giving him a longer runway as a starter and potential future quarterback.
For the Jets, Fields has a chance to cement himself as the quarterback of the future. With no quarterback selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, there's no immediate competition behind him. Fields will be responsible for claiming the job and making New York his home.