NFL rule change could quietly strip NY Jets of valuable Justin Fields advantage

The New York Jets believe they may have finally solved their quarterback problem with the offseason addition of Justin Fields. Or, at the very least, the hope is that Fields could give the Jets a high-upside bridge quarterback option to lead the organization in its new era.

While there are still questions about Fields' long-term ceiling as a passer, there's no denying the dynamic athleticism he brings to the table. For the first time in decades — and possibly ever — the Jets have a legitimate rushing threat at the quarterback position.

Fields gives the Jets a new dimension on offense, one that can change how they operate both in the open field and in short-yardage situations. He’s capable of turning broken plays into big gains and offers a red-zone presence that the Jets simply haven’t had from the quarterback spot.

That added versatility is part of what made Fields such an enticing acquisition for head coach Aaron Glenn and offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand. But just as the Jets prepare to build around Fields’ strengths, the NFL might be taking one of them away.

NFL banning the 'Tush Push' could be bad news for Justin Fields and the NY Jets

League owners are scheduled to vote this week on a proposal to ban the "Tush Push," per ESPN's Adam Schefter. The proposal was tabled earlier this offseason but is now expected to be voted on at this week’s league meetings in Minneapolis.

If passed, the rule change could quietly hinder the Jets’ offense before Fields ever takes a snap. The "Tush Push" isn’t the same as a traditional QB sneak, but Fields has thrived in those situations, and he may no longer have that tool in his arsenal.

Fields might not be Jalen Hurts, but he’s been one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the NFL on sneak attempts over the last three seasons. From 2022 to 2024, Fields converted 18 of his 22 QB sneak attempts for an impressive 81.8% success rate.

That includes a perfect 7-for-7 mark in 2022, followed by 8-for-10 in 2023 and 3-for-5 in 2024, per Pro Football Focus. While those plays weren’t all "Tush Push" attempts specifically, both the Steelers and Bears used Fields in jumbo formations similar to the Eagles’ famous variation.

The Jets also appear to have the offensive line to potentially make it work. With first-round pick Armand Membou joining Alijah Vera-Tucker and John Simpson on the interior, the Jets' line could quietly become one of the league’s better units.

The key, however, is center Joe Tippmann. Tippmann is coming off an excellent 2024 campaign and is already one of the NFL’s better young centers, but his height (6-foot-6) can work against him in short-yardage situations.

The "Tush Push" thrives on low pad level and leverage, and that’s where Tippmann might struggle compared to someone like Jason Kelce or Cam Jurgens.

It’s also worth noting that Fields’ value as a runner primarily comes in open space rather than in short-yardage. While he’s a well-built 6-foot-3, 227 pounds, Fields doesn’t have the same tree trunk lower half or raw power that makes Hurts such a nightmare in situations.

Still, the success rate and athleticism are there, and the Jets would certainly benefit from having the "Tush Push" as part of their offensive arsenal, even if it’s not quite as automatic as what Philadelphia has built.

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