The NFL is a copycat league.
Naturally, it's fair to think Jets offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand, who was the Lions' passing game coordinator in the 2022-24 seasons, wants to implement successful elements of Detroit's high-powered offense to New York's unit.
"Their offense in Detroit was really explosive," QB Justin Fields said Thursday after the Jets' second public OTA session. "Of course we're bringing some stuff from there to here, but Tanner has been great. We've been installing a lot of stuff, but I think the guys have handled it really well. Putting a lot on their plate now, just so they're used to it once training camp comes up."
During Engstrand's three seasons working under OC Ben Johnson, now the head coach of the Chicago Bears, the Lions ranked No. 1 in total yards per game (394.8), passing yards per game (258) and points per game (29).
Detroit's signal-caller, Jared Goff, however, is a much different quarterback than Fields. Goff, the No. 1 overall pick in 2016, has 551 career rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns while Fields has 2,509 rushing along with 19 scores since he was drafted No. 13 overall by the Bears in 2021.
Fields and the offense have been on the field under Engstrand's tutelage for two weeks since the team began Phase 3 of its offseason program and Fields believes he can be "great" in this offense.
"That's been the goal for me my whole life, my whole career," he said. "I think the sky's the limit for this team, for this offense, but we do have a long way to go."
He added: "We're just getting a lot thrown at us right now, so getting a grasp on [the playbook], knowing that in and out, getting on the same page with guys that are running certain routes, different routes that I've never thrown before. I think that's been the biggest thing."
There's a lot that's new for the Green & White's new quarterback. New city, new team and new coach, but he's joined by a familiar face in star wideout Garrett Wilson. Wilson and Fields played together at Ohio State for two seasons and combined for 73 catches, 1,155 yards and 11 touchdowns.
"I mean, it's been good," Fields said of reuniting with his former Buckeye teammate. "You know, he's been my guy for a long time now, so I really feel like we haven't skipped a beat out on the practice field."
He added: "We didn't really talk too much [over the last couple years], but when I came here, we've been talking every day. We were very close in college, but when I was in the league and then he was in the league, we didn't really talk too much. Every now and then, maybe, but when I came here, it's like we really didn't miss a day. He's been great."
There are more than four months for Fields and the offense to jell before the regular season. Coincidentally, the Jets' Week 1 opponent is Fields' former team, the Pittsburgh Steelers. But there's no extra incentive for Fields, who went 4-2 last season and totaled 10 touchdowns to 1 interception before he was replaced by Russell Wilson, who is now with the Giants.
"That's who we play Week 1," he said. "Wasn't really a thought to that."
