New arrival throws and runs for scores in opener, showing signs he could be long-term answer
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — The New York Jets have spent years searching for an answer at quarterback. One game into the 2025 season, Justin Fields has given them reason to believe they may have finally found one.
Fields threw for a touchdown and ran for two more in Sunday’s 34-32 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. He completed 16 of 22 passes, avoided turnovers and finished with a passer rating of 119.1. It was the kind of poised, efficient performance the Jets have long lacked — and one that hints at bigger possibilities as the season unfolds.
The debut showed why the Jets bet on Fields’ dual-threat ability. He connected with Garrett Wilson on a 33-yard touchdown in the second quarter, a strike that showcased timing and accuracy. On the ground, he capped two drives with scoring plays that displayed both speed and toughness.
More than the highlights, though, Fields gave the Jets something harder to measure: control. He spread the ball to multiple receivers, converted key downs and kept the offense on schedule. The unit looked balanced, structured around his strengths rather than working around its limitations.
That matters for a team built on defense and playmakers. If Fields provides steady quarterback play, the Jets’ ceiling rises considerably. His ability to protect the football, extend plays and finish drives could turn narrow defeats into wins — the difference between another middling season and legitimate playoff contention.
The road ahead will bring tests. Opposing coordinators will adjust, pressing him to win from the pocket and forcing quicker decisions. Consistency across 17 games is still the hurdle. But Sunday showed a quarterback capable of more than flashes. It showed the outline of someone who can be the centerpiece of a functioning offense.
For years, the Jets have cycled through options, hoping for stability at the most important position. Fields’ debut suggested that search may finally be nearing its end. His mix of efficiency, composure and versatility wasn’t just encouraging for Week 1 — it pointed to a future in which the Jets can plan around one quarterback, not plan for the next one.
It is only the beginning, but the message was clear. If Fields keeps playing this way, the Jets won’t just have found their starter for this season. They may have found the quarterback to build around for seasons to come.
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