Why Justin Fields is for real in this Jets offensive system

Billy Heyen

Why Justin Fields is for real in this Jets offensive system image

Finally, Justin Fields is getting a chance to spread his wings.

It didn't happen with the Chicago Bears or the Pittsburgh Steelers. But the New York Jets sought out Fields this offseason to be their starting quarterback, and they're embracing his special skillset.

It didn't lead to a Week 1 win over those Steelers, but Fields was excellent. The Jets essentially lost because of a fumbled punt, not anything Fields did wrong.

His combination of throwing and running was as good as it has ever been in the NFL, and there's a simple reason: This offense is for him.

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Is Justin Fields for real with the Jets?

Justin Fields is definitely for real with the New York Jets.

They've designed an offense to embrace all his strengths. That's not something that has happened in his previous stops.

"For the first time since Fields entered the league, it really seems as if an offensive coach is willing to tailor the system and playcalling to leverage Fields' strengths and color around his weaknesses," ESPN's Ben Solak wrote on Tuesday. "This shouldn't have been hard elsewhere, even though it was in both Chicago and Pittsburgh. But things make sense now under (Tanner) Engstrand in New York."

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The Jets take on the Buffalo Bills in Week 2, a massive AFC East clash. 

They'll hope to see Fields continue his fast start.

"One offseason and one start won't fix a quarterback entirely," Solak writes. "But this is how the reclamation process started for Sam Darnold with Minnesota and Baker Mayfield in Tampa Bay, by putting them in offenses that worked for them, letting their confidence build and expanding their responsibilities over time. A good foundational stone was laid in New York in Week 1. Keep building in Week 2."

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Billy Heyen

Billy Heyen is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. He is a 2019 graduate of Syracuse University who has written about many sports and fantasy sports for The Sporting News. Sports reporting work has also appeared in a number of newspapers, including the Sandusky Register and Rochester Democrat & Chronicle