Jets’ most glaring flaw was on full display in preseason finale

The New York Jets have displayed plenty of potential throughout the summer, but it remains clear that Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey’s vision is still very much a work in progress. Justin Fields has the athleticism the Jets have never really had at quarterback but has failed to look like the future at the position for Gang Green. 

With two weeks until a date with Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers, there’s no better time to return to the drawing board. Glenn and new offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand plan to employ a run-heavy scheme predicated on setting the team up for short-yardage situations.

And behold the problem: Engstrand's scheme lacks a true vertical element because there is a clear lack of confidence in the former first-rounder’s accuracy. The scheme, inspired by what’s being done in Detroit, thrives because Jared Goff is one of the best play-action quarterbacks in the NFL.

The same can’t be said for Fields, who is the main reason Engstrand's offense has looked so one-dimensional at times this summer.

The Jets' offense is looking too one-dimensional to function in the regular season

While the problem has lingered throughout the offseason, it was especially prevalent in the 19-17 loss to the Eagles. Both Brady Cook and Adrian Martinez threw interceptions, and the Jets failed to surpass 200 passing yards for the second consecutive preseason game.

Both signal-callers are firmly on the roster bubble and didn’t do much to help their case. It wouldn’t be a huge shock if the Jets roster just two quarterbacks, but Martinez likely has the upper hand on the undrafted rookie.

And for the second time this preseason, the Jets eclipsed 10 penalties. When you’re a run-heavy team, you can’t afford to fall into third-and-long situations, especially when it is your own offensive line setting you back. The early-down runs are why the offense works, so if they aren’t working, there isn’t anything in Engstrand’s bag of tricks with this current core.

Garrett Wilson is really the only pass-catcher defenses should worry about, and he’ll more than likely see double coverage this season. The only infusion of energy that’s missing is the downfield passing game.

And besides the ex-Offensive Rookie of the Year, the only other receiver capable of contributing in that area is fourth-round rookie Arian Smith, who could end up WR2 sooner rather than later.

Breece Hall and Mason Taylor will make Fields' life easier as chain-movers, but that won’t work if faced with a 3rd-and-15. In the modern NFL, you need teams to respect your pass game, and it’s clear opponents don’t, regardless of who is under center for the Jets.

The good news is that the Jets will receive a boost over the two-week break, since it seems as though backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor will return in time for Week 1.

Despite a promising offensive line unit, question marks in the quarterback and receiver rooms could make it a long season in Florham Park.

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