Life comes at you fast in the NFL, and former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields is finding that out in earnest this season. After a relatively successful stint in Pittsburgh last year and a great start against them in Week 1, it's been all downhill since for the New York Jets QB.
Things were already bad through five games, but his Week 6 game against the Denver Broncos in London was a new low. Despite the Jets' defense finally showing up, Fields and the offense failed to capitalize as they fell 13-11.
The offense can't even take credit for two of those points, as a penalty in the endzone by the Broncos caused a safety. Now sitting at 0-6, Fields' future with the Jets (and as a starting QB) is hurdling towards a sad conclusion.
Former Pittsburgh Steelers QB Justin Fields' career as a starter may be coming to a close
Fields' physical talent and draft pedigree have earned him multiple chances to be a starter in the NFL, but his performance thus far with the Jets may be the final nail in the coffin for his career. The talent and coaching around him are far from elite, but he has proven to be the same player who was ousted from Chicago.
He took nine sacks against the Broncos, including a game-ending one on fourth down. Every dropback felt like watching a car crash, and it seemed like Fields had no idea where to go with the football when under pressure. That has been the story of his career, and year five seems to be no different.
Unless the athletic passer can figure out how to better utilize his physical talent to make plays under pressure, he will continue to struggle without perfect play from the rest of his offense. He showed signs of improvement in Pittsburgh last season, but that looks like a mirage six weeks into 2025.
Head coach Aaron Glenn seems to have no plans to bench the struggling QB, but it won't be long before he has no choice unless he wants to lose the locker room. Veteran backup Tyrod Taylor may not be a huge upgrade, but he has to be a better option than what Fields has proven to be.
If he does end up on the bench this season, it may take an injury or a desperate team for him to earn another start in the NFL. It will also put any doubts about the Steelers' decision to swap him with Aaron Rodgers to bed.