The New York Jets will enter 2025 with a new style of quarterback. Justin Fields certainly isn’t the first Jets quarterback to be labeled a bust. He won’t be the first to make his best plays out of structure, either.
But Fields’ mobility sets him apart from quarterbacks of New York’s past.
Fields has a 1,100-yard season to his name and more athleticism than just about any passer in team history. With the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024, he found himself as an option in the run game, even after being usurped by veteran Russell Wilson. Much of that was in short-yardage situations, including the occasional tush push.
Subsequently, it’s possible that Fields could have been the Jets’ key to the tush push vote.
“At the NFL's spring meeting this week, the Jets were among 10 teams that voted against the proposed ban of the tush push,” Rich Cimini wrote. “It was close -- the proposal came up two votes shy of approval -- but the controversial play, popularized by the Philadelphia Eagles, will continue for the 2025 season.
“It will be interesting to see if the Jets incorporate it into their playbook. Fields, one of the league's most dangerous running quarterbacks, has attempted 12 push sneaks in his career, converting 11 for first downs, per ESPN Research. Since 2021, only two quarterbacks have tried it more than Fields: Jalen Hurts (86-for-100) and Josh Allen (50-for-55).”
New York may aim to utilize Fields on the tush push, given his success. Acting out of self-interest makes sense, and with a revamped run game, Fields figures to have plenty of short-yardage situations to take advantage of.
However, another reason why New York may have voted against a ban is a nod to the culture change underway with head coach Aaron Glenn taking over. In an attempt to replicate the toughness of the Detroit Lions, the Jets’ vote is a sign that they aren’t scared of getting their hands dirty in the trenches, even against a play nobody seems to stop. Detroit, despite having Philadelphia on its schedule, also voted against the plan.
Turning New York around won’t be easy, but Glenn’s squad isn’t taking any shortcuts. After the vote to ban the tush push failed, the Jets stand to gain from their choice in 2025.