The New York Jets face another uphill climb this season. A new head coach, a new quarterback, and the same old questions about whether this franchise can finally break its cycle of disappointment. Aaron Glenn has one mission: unlock Justin Fields and prove the Jets can develop talent instead of just collecting it.
How Much Will Justin Fields and Key Starters Play Against Green Bay?
Most teams treat the preseason like a necessary evil, resting starters and saving energy for Week 1. The Jets are taking the opposite approach. Glenn has confirmed that his starters will take the field in tonight’s kickoff against the Packers.
However, Glenn wouldn’t commit to specific playing time for any individual player. The game situation will determine how long his key players stay on the field.
“We’re playing,” Glenn said. “I can’t tell you how much a guy is going to play. It’s going to be [decided] on how the game goes but we’re playing.”
Glenn defended his decision by emphasizing the importance of building rhythm and developing mental toughness. For a team implementing new systems across the board, these reps are crucial.
“People have so many opinions on what you should do about this game and have no clue what it’s about. Sometimes players can hear that noise and don’t realize man, you’re always going to hear that. It’s just the nature of it, you’re going to get criticized.”
“People are going to have expectations and that’s OK. But you can’t have people have higher expectations for you than you have of yourself,” Glenn added.
What Should We Expect From Justin Fields and the Jets Offense in 2025?
Fields will make his Jets debut tonight, and everything about this offense should feel different from what we’ve seen in recent years. Aaron Rodgers brought a traditional pocket-passing approach that never suited the franchise’s needs. Fields offers something completely different: mobility, improvisation, and the kind of dual-threat ability that can mask offensive line weaknesses.
The coaching overhaul brought Glenn and offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand together from Detroit. Engstrand worked under Dan Campbell but learned his craft from Ben Johnson, the Lions’ innovative offensive coordinator who maximized every player’s athletic ability.
This philosophy should translate to more dynamic situations for Fields. Expect to see under-center formations, extensive play-action concepts, and pistol sets designed to showcase both his arm and legs. The goal is creating easy reads while keeping defenses honest about his running ability.
JUSTIN FIELDS. INCREDIBLE RUN.
📺: #PHIvsCHI on FOX
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/mzMHAEtgdH pic.twitter.com/lNhAJ8eAWk— NFL (@NFL) December 18, 2022
Tonight’s game offers the first glimpse of how this new scheme will function. Breece Hall should benefit significantly from the changes, especially after his disappointing 876 rushing yards in the 2024-25 campaign. The Jets’ running game ranked among the NFL’s worst last season but Fields’ presence should open up rushing lanes and create opportunities for explosive plays.
Despite entering the season with low expectations, the Jets have the pieces to surprise people offensively. Fields brings the mobility and arm talent that could finally unlock this franchise’s potential, starting with tonight’s test against Green Bay.
