Jets’ Justin Fields just delivered the worst performance of his NFL career

Justin Fields played statistically the best game of his career in Week 1 while making his New York Jets debut. That created a buzz.

The more hopeful amongst the fan base expressed optimism that the 11th overall pick of the 2021 draft was on the verge of marrying his talent with actual production. The more pessimistic fans at least thought he could be a serviceable bridge QB following that showing.

Then Week 2 happened. Taking on the division rival Buffalo Bills at home, the Jets were left grounded on the tarmac, getting walloped 30-10 by their upstate rivals. Fields' performance was a major reason why.

Adding injury to insult, Fields would leave the game with a concussion with 12:03 remaining in the fourth quarter. The Jets had scored just measly three points with him under center. With his day done, Fields had turned in statistically the worst performance of his career.

Justin Fields' short Jets tenure has been the most Jekyll and Hyde performance imaginable

After a 16-for-22 performance that saw him throw for 218 yards and a touchdown, Fields was just 3-for-11 for 27 yards with no touchdowns. His EPA per attempt dropped from a career-best 0.68 in Week 1 to a career-worst -0.58 in Week 2.

In addition to the poor EPA numbers, Fields saw his adjusted completion percentage drop from a stellar 88.9% in Week 1 to an abysmal 55.6%. His PFF passing grade fell from 90.2 to 28.9. After committing just one turnover-worthy play in Week 1, he was charged with two in Week 2 despite half as many passing attempts.

A lot of the same issues that have plagued him throughout his career reared their ugly head again on Sunday. His accuracy was shaky in the short and intermediate game, his ball placement left something to be desired, and he held the ball too long.

On the Jets' opening drive, Fields overthrew a wide-open Garrett Wilson on third down, not only killing the drive but nearly throwing a pick in the process. Later, he'd take his first of two sacks of the game, holding the ball too long and not even attempting a pass to Wilson, who had broken free of coverage.

To make matters worse, once he left the game, the Jets were finally able to get something going with Tyrod Taylor under center. Taylor went 7-for-11 for 56 yards and a touchdown. Sure, it was garbage time, but it was the most lively the Jets' offense had looked all day.

There were a couple of mitigating circumstances, though. The Jets' rushing attack failed to get anything going against Buffalo's Ed Oliver-less front. Offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand had no adjustments to deal with the Bills' run-blitzing their corners.

Furthermore, Fields didn't always get help from his receivers, with two of his passes going as drops. Aside from Garrett Wilson, only rookie Arian Smith registered a catch among the wide receiver corps, with his lone reception going for just eight yards.

Tyler Johnson was targeted just once. Back in action, Allen Lazard was completely shut out over his 22 offensive snaps.

Fields' status for Week 3 is uncertain with him in the concussion protocol, but whenever he does return to action, the Jets will need more. Much more. They'll also need more from his supporting cast, but as it stands now, the Jets are staring down the brutal reality that this relationship might not work out as they'd hoped.

More NY Jets news and analysis: