Jets OC Offers High Praise for Justin Fields
Tanner Engstrand, the Jets’ first-year offensive coordinator, has yet to offer a full assessment of Justin Fields, but so far, he’s been incredibly impressed with the quarterback.
When asked about Fields on Thursday, Engstrand had nothing but glowing remarks for the former Chicago Bear and Pittsburgh Steeler.
“He’s just a talented individual in every way,” Engstrand said, according to the New York Post. “He’s clearly physically gifted. People talk a lot about his running, but the guy has a strong arm too, and he’s really effective with it. Mentally, he’s exceptional. He’s been absolutely phenomenal up to this point, and we’re expecting even more from him.”
Engstrand continued, adding that Fields’ skill set opens up a world of possibilities. “With a player like that, there’s so much you can do to put pressure on defenses and make life difficult for defensive coordinators.”
While it’s easy to offer such praise in May, before the season has started and before Fields has faced high-pressure moments as a pocket passer—an area where he’s had difficulties in past seasons—the excitement is understandable.
Fields now has a fresh start with the Jets and already has chemistry with star receiver Garrett Wilson. It remains to be seen how well he’ll seize this opportunity.