Justin Fields silences critics with best practice of Jets training camp

The New York Jets finally saw the version of Justin Fields they’ve been waiting for. After an up-and-down start to training camp complete with accuracy concerns and growing pains, Fields put together his most impressive practice yet on Thursday.

Fields was reportedly accurate, decisive, and in total command for most of the day. He completed his first 12 passes, per ESPN’s Rich Cimini, and delivered a series of standout throws, including a 25-yard touchdown to rookie tight end Mason Taylor and a deep ball to rookie Arian Smith, who beat Sauce Gardner for a huge gain.

It was a needed step in the right direction, and the clearest sign yet that Fields is starting to settle into the new Jets’ offensive system. It also comes at the perfect time, as the former Chicago Bears QB was beginning to face some criticism after a shaky start to the summer.

Fields silenced his critics with what was easily his best performance of training camp to this point. That's an encouraging sign for a player the Jets are counting on to be the leader of their offense in 2025.

Justin Fields just had his best Jets practice to date

Nick Faria of Jets X Factor called it “the kind of practice that can bring the Jets confidence [that] Justin Fields can become more than just a stop-gap.” Faria emphasized Fields’ accuracy and growth, noting it was “such an important sign” for the team moving forward.

Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic added that Fields was “having his best practice of camp,” highlighting a perfectly placed ball between two defenders for a big gain to Josh Reynolds.

Antwan Staley of the New York Daily News echoed the sentiment, noting that while the red-zone period was rocky, Fields was “dealing” throughout the day and looked noticeably more accurate than he had in previous practices.

It wasn't a perfect practice for the Ohio State product, who reportedly failed to complete five passes in a row during red-zone drills late in the day, but his overall ball placement was the best it had looked all summer. And most importantly, he didn't turn the ball over.

Fields signed a two-year, $40 million contract this offseason to be the Jets’ Aaron Rodgers replacement. He’s not guaranteed to be the long-term answer, but unlike other veteran bridge quarterback options available, Fields brings youth and upside.

Thursday’s practice reaffirmed why the Jets took the swing in the first place. There will be bumps in the road. There will be growing pains. But Fields gives the Jets the allure of upside — a higher ceiling than someone like Tyrod Taylor could provide.

They don’t need Fields to be perfect in July. But they do need signs like this. This is exactly what Jets fans and this coaching staff needed to see.

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