While the Jets have yet to announce that Justin Fields will start at quarterback against the Dolphins on Monday night, the signs of him returning to action after a one-game absence are clear. He practiced in full on both Thursday and Friday — the next step is fully clearing concussion protocol.
Barring a weekend setback, it's safe to assume that Fields is back under center in primetime, with the Jets on the brink of their ninth 0-4 start to a season in franchise history. And the distinct possibility of the former first-round pick operating the offense again has Garrett Wilson hopeful for a turnaround.
"We've got to find a way to get over the hump this week, find a way to get on the board," Wilson said after Friday's practice. "It would be awesome [to have Fields back]. His energy on the field, he pops up after taking hits. All of that stuff is contagious. We're all excited for J to be back out there."
Fields has already experienced some on-field highs and lows as the Jets' signal-caller. He opened the season with a bang, completing 16 of 22 passes for 218 yards and one touchdown while also rushing for two scores. His efforts just happened to fall short — the Steelers survived a 34-32 thriller at MetLife Stadium.
The fans' excitement with Fields quickly vanished in Week 2, as he didn't come remotely close to resembling his Week 1 self. The division-rival Bills suffocated the Jets, holding him to a measly 27 passing yards on three completions and 49 yards on the ground. He suffered the head injury late in the blowout loss.
What the Jets' offense desperately needs is a spark. In the last two games, they didn't reach the end zone until the fourth quarter. And while the team nearly pulled off a stunning comeback road win over the Buccaneers last week with backup Tyrod Taylor in charge, they've faced large deficits.
It's unclear which version of Fields shows up on Monday, but a quick start on offense against a vulnerable Dolphins defense is what the Jets demand. They must present a balanced attack via the air and ground, commensurate to the 394-yard performance that was on full display in Week 1.
"Every rep we can get together as a team is super valuable," Wilson said of his connection with Fields. "Obviously he's the keystone of that, being the quarterback and type of guy he is… We still have a lot of work to do. If we're not out there, we can't really chop away at that work."
Searching for a secret sauce
Under the stewardship of new head coach Aaron Glenn, boasting a bright defensive mind, the Jets are adjusting to new schemes and personnel on that side of the ball. So far, the results aren't good enough.
The Jets have allowed the fifth-most points (93) in the NFL through three weeks, and they rank 22nd in average total yards allowed (340.3). The unit is also one of just two teams that hasn't forced a turnover yet, and they've already allowed 13 plays of 20-plus yards (tied for second-worst).
The Dolphins have a few playmakers who can inflict damage, and Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner realizes the reputation his defense currently owns. They're on pace to allow 527 points this season, which would set a franchise record.
"I think we're extremely close," Gardner said. "It's so easy to look at our record and get down or complain, just from the outside. Reality is, we're a field goal and a stop away from being 2-1. In this building, mentally, we hear it. We're still very confident and know what we're capable of doing."
Not only are the Jets searching for their first win of the 2025 campaign, but they're also seeking a victory in South Beach for the first time since 2015. If there aren't any internal issues with the scheme, technique is responsible for the struggles. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, the Jets have missed 39 tackles, 19 of which came against the Buccaneers.
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