Jets offense shows run-first identity in preseason loss

The Jets tested a run heavy plan in 19 offensive snaps, raising questions about the passing attack ahead of the regular season.

Jets offense shows identity in preseason loss to Giants

On Saturday at MetLife Stadium, the Jets used 19 offensive snaps in their preseason loss to the Giants. The drive sequence leaned heavily on the ground, with the team running on each of the first 10 plays of a scoring march before Nick Folk connected on a 38-yard field goal after a penalty. Fields went 1-for-5 for 4 yards, with his only completion coming on a rollout to Mason Taylor. Garrett Wilson was tightly covered on another target, and the Jets settled for three points on the second and last series for their starters.

The Jets gained 47 yards on the ground and 5 by penalty. Braelon Allen powered an 11-yard gain on third-and-8. Brandon Smith caught four passes for 31 yards in the first half from backup quarterback Adrian Martinez. The team seemed to lean into Fields' mobility to move the offense, while the passing game has yet to click with Wilson. The plan to add more passing looks may come in Week 1 against the Steelers, given there are only four full practices left before the opener.

The Jets are betting on a run first identity to cushion a still-developing passing game. That approach fits Fields' strengths as a dual threat, but it also raises questions about how the offense will generate sustained drives when opponents key on the run. The small preseason sample is not a final verdict, yet it signals a clear direction: lean on the backfield and on quarterback mobility while work continues on the passing chemistry.

Week 1 will be the real test. With limited practice time, the Jets must balance live reps with growing comfort for Fields and his targets. The tension between old school power and a modern, shotgun style offense is real, and the risk is letting the passing game lag as the season begins. The next steps will reveal how quickly this plan can translate into points and consistency.

Highlights

Time will tell which plan lands in real games.