The Jets haven't won the AFC East with double-digit wins since 1998, but they'll be looking to move on from their shortcomings over the past few decades with a new quarterback at the helm. The Jets moved on from Aaron Rodgers after his only full season was an unsuccessful one, ending in a 5-12 finish, the fifth straight season with double-digit losses.
They brought in Justin Fields on a two-year deal worth $20 million a season to be what could be the answer to their prayers for a franchise QB, a move that Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport ranked the fifth-best move of the entire offseason.
Fields ended his season in Pittsburgh as a starter early. He made it through just six games before the team opted for Russell Wilson to replace him, but in those games, Fields was sound. He finished 4-2 as a starter and a completion percentage north of 65% and five passing touchdowns to just one interception. He added another five touchdowns on the ground from 62 carries that he took for almost 300 yards.
The quarterback's rushing acumen and ability when the play breaks down have never been questioned. He rushed for over 1,100 yards during his second career season, and ran for 82 against the Patriots that year. He adds another 19 touchdowns to his career total when including the work he's done on the ground across his career, and given he's spent just two seasons as a full-time starter, that's an impressive total.
Justin Fields's rushing ability could be a problem for the Patriots
Fields spent 2021-2023 behind poor offensive lines: the Bears were in the top four in sacks allowed per game each season he was there. Pittsburgh's line was slightly better in 2024, allowing the eighth-most sacks per game, but that still is a pretty poor overall ranking. The Jets, on the other hand, ranked right in the middle of the league in terms of sacks allowed per game.
Although they lost both tackles in Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses, the team is prepared for 2025. 2024 first-round pick Olu Fashanu allowed one sack in 534 snaps, while the Jets selected Armand Membou seventh overall.
With the best line he's ever had, Fields will have the opportunity to connect with his college teammate in Garrett Wilson and second-round pick Mason Taylor, who will man the tight end position. On top of his weapons, his rushing ability will certainly be schemed into the offense - expect plenty of read options with Breece Hall.
The Patriots were effective against rushing quarterbacks this season, although they didn't face them often. Anthony Richardson struggled through the air but bowled through the Patriots for 5.3 a carry and the go-ahead two-point conversion that kept the Colts alive in the playoff hunt. While Josh Allen had five carries in Week 16, that included a sneak to seal the win.
As previously mentioned, Fields hurt Belichick's Patriots in 2022 during his time with the Bears. Currently, the teams don't have any truly elite athletes on the edge or at linebacker. To combat Fields's rushing ability, Kyle Dugger may have to be moved down to play a more linebacker-ish role compared to his traditional safety spot.
Game planning for Fields's rushing ability is a headache in itself, let alone the other weapons the Jets have on offense. For the next few seasons, combating Fields will be a difficult task, and if he shows he can be a solid passer to go along with his transcendent rushing ability, the Patriots could have some trouble in the division for the foreseeable future.