Cornerback Sauce Gardner recalls the preparation for the New York Jets’ matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers last season. The Jets faced a week with seven road games against the AFC North powerhouse, and it was uncertain whether the Steelers would start dynamic dual-threat quarterback Justin Fields or experienced Russell Wilson, who was nursing a calf injury.
“We weren’t sure if Justin would play or who the starter would be,” said Gardner, a two-time first-team All-Pro, on “The Pat McAfee Show” Wednesday. “We had to completely switch our strategy if Russell started, then revert to plans for Justin the night before the game.” Gardner emphasized the respect opposing players and teams have for Fields, despite any criticism he might receive.
Wilson ended up starting that game and finished the season as the Steelers’ main quarterback. Fields, after some ups and downs over three seasons with the Chicago Bears, signed with the Jets this offseason. “We got a new Dawg in town,” Gardner said. “We got Justin Fields. He’s a Dawg.”
Fields has shown flashes of brilliance in his four NFL seasons. While with Chicago, he recorded the second-highest single-season rushing yards for a quarterback in league history, just behind Lamar Jackson. However, Fields struggled with consistency in Chicago, where the team’s overall performance was lacking. His completion rates hovered around 60%, and his rookie year saw less than 40% completion.
Despite this, Fields’ six starts with Pittsburgh this past season showed promise, leading the Jets—an organization seeking a franchise quarterback—to take a chance on him. He recorded impressive stats, including a 5:1 touchdown-to-interception ratio and a completion rate close to 66%. Gardner noted Fields’ growth as a passer and praised his arm’s caliber, comparing his throws to those of Aaron Rodgers. Gardner recalled conversations with Rodgers about Fields’ advanced skill level, suggesting Fields put in serious work in the offseason.
Gardner spent two years alongside Rodgers and sees Fields’ youth and work ethic as strengths. “He’s young and dedicated; he studies film and the playbook thoroughly and arrives early to practice and leaves late,” Gardner said. Fields’ drive to improve and his growing precision could solidify his role as a leading quarterback. Gardner highlighted Fields’ urgency and accuracy as key improvements that show his increasing value.
Fan Take: This development is exciting for NFL fans because it signals the rise of a talented, hardworking quarterback who could reshape the Jets’ future. Fields’ blend of athleticism and accuracy, combined with Gardner’s confidence in him, suggests the Jets may become a formidable team in the coming seasons, potentially altering the NFL landscape.
