Ahead of a Week 5 matchup with the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium, QB Justin Fields believes the Jets need to do a better job of putting themselves in position to win -- and it will begin with cleaning up things up offensively.
"We've lost three games by one score," he said. "So, I think that's a positive to look at. I think if we clean up turnovers, penalties -- that's definitely going to put us in a better position to secure those wins instead of saying 'we're close' and this and that."
For Fields, the Jets' ability to get over the hump will be determined not by focusing on week-to-week opponents, but by making internal adjustments. Players and coaches alike have pointed to self-inflicted wounds as the catalyst for the slow start to the season, and Monday's loss was no exception. The Jets had a trio of turnovers and 13 penalties -- 6 of which were pre-snap and stalled several promising drives.
But despite the mental mistakes, Fields saw plenty to be encouraged by in the 27-21 loss -- and he highlighted the opening drive (prior to the fumble) and the Jets' two-minute drive that resulted in a FG at the end of the first half as bright spots.
WR Garrett Wilson had another impressive performance, and TE Mason Taylor had the most productive outing of his young career. The run game flashed, too -- the Jets recorded a season-high 197 rushing yards after combining for just 199 rushing yards in Weeks 2 and 3. Fields and RB Breece Hall co-led the team with 81 yards apiece.
"I think the first drive we started off running the ball well," Fields said. "A lot of explosive runs and really just moving the ball down the field, running the ball. So, that's always good. Always makes my job easier for sure when the run game gets going like that."
Fields added an explosive run of his own, escaping pressure on fourth down and running 43 yards to the end zone. The impressive play brought the game back within reach for the Jets, who found themselves trailing by just 7 points in the third quarter despite the three early turnovers.
"He never ceases to amaze me when he's running with the ball," HC Aaron Glenn said. "Because he's such a big, strong man, able to elude and he has the agility just to make people miss in space. I'm not surprised to see some of those things. Now the run itself was amazing because I think he went -- he ran a 43-yard touchdown, but he might've ran 90-some yards to score. But that's who he is. I mean, I expect him to make plays like that just because of who he is. But those are dynamic plays by a dynamic player, so I expect that from him."
Along with cleaning things up offensively, Fields stressed the importance of staying positive despite the disappointing start. It's something that comes naturally for the QB, but the role he plays in ensuring that extends to the rest of the building is one he takes seriously.
"I think to get to that point to where we are securing those dubs, everybody has to be on the same page," Fields said. "And that's not only in this locker room, but that's the coaches as well and everybody else around the building."
As the Jets aim to secure their first win, Fields is embracing the opportunity to move the needle forward.
"It's my job as a quarterback of this team, as one of the captains and as one of the leaders of this team to make sure everybody feels that in the locker room," he said of remaining positive. "So, I talked to the guys after the game on Monday night and kind of expressed that to them and how I kind of felt. I think everybody in this locker room is in good spirits. We're ready to get back to work this week and go out there on Sunday and play ball."
