NFL Trade Rumors
Jets QB Justin Fields completed just one of five passes in the Jets’ recent 31-12 preseason loss to the Vikings. When asked about Fields’ performance this preseason, HC Aaron Glenn responded that he’s annoyed by the criticism Fields is receiving after the praise he got after completing three of four in their opener against the Packers.
“I mean, you have so many people that want to talk about a small amount of plays these guys get to go out there and play,” Glenn said. “And then everything is falling down because we throw six passes [actually five, last Saturday]. Then, I mean, he’s Johnny Unitas when we throw four passes [in the first game]. So, it bothers me, and I laugh at it quite a bit. But the thing is, I understand it because that’s the noise that happens on the outside.”
Fields hasn’t completed a pass longer than nine yards this preseason. The quarterback said they are fine picking up yards in increments and aren’t going to “force the ball downfield.”
“We’re fine with taking 8-yard completions every play if I’m being honest with you,” Fields said before practice Tuesday. “Of course you want explosives, but like I said Saturday, we’re not going to force the ball downfield. If they want to get depth on the second level, we’re fine with taking the 8-, 10-yard completion, taking time off the clock and just driving down the field and having 10-to-15-play drives. It gets the defense tired. It might not be as exciting on the offensive side of the ball for the fans, but like I said, it’s efficient ball.”
Glenn shot back at the notion of the NFL being a “passing league,” pointing out that the Eagles had the 29th-ranked passing offense last season.
“Who says it’s a passing league?” Glenn said. “The team that won the Super Bowl, what were they in passing? Twenty-ninth. What were they in running? First.”
Patriots HC Mike Vrabel praised QB Drake Maye for how he dealt with the Vikings’ defense during their joint practices ahead of their 20-12 preseason win over Minnesota.
“These practices here against the Vikings’ defense, they do a lot, they show you a lot,” Vrabel said, via Saad Yousuf and Dianna Russini of The Athletic. *“They try to put you in a blender. By that, we mean, one play, it’s hard and then you just start thinking about the last play and then the next play becomes harder and harder until you’re just spinning in a blender. That’s what they like to use in the quarterback room, and I didn’t see (Maye) do...
