Jets offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand emphasized the importance of a tight bond with quarterback Justin Fields as they prepare for the 2024 NFL season. Engstrand, who will handle playcalling duties, stressed that shared understanding is crucial for effective execution. This strong connection between the Justin Fields playcaller Jets dynamic could significantly influence the team’s offensive performance this year.
Engstrand Highlights the Need for Synchronization in Playcalling
According to Engstrand, the quarterback and playcaller must operate on the same wavelength to succeed. When a play is called, Fields and the other quarterbacks need to grasp not only the play but also the rationale behind it. Such clarity ensures confidence and cohesion in the execution on the field. Engstrand explained,
“I think they have to think the same. They have to know what each other is thinking, so when I call a play, Justin or the other QBs, have to know what I’m thinking, and why I’m calling that play, so you really have to be on the same wavelength as far as what you’re trying to accomplish on every play.”
—Tanner Engstrand, Jets Offensive Coordinator
Context on Defensive Players’ Progress and Team Challenges
Elsewhere in the NFL, several teams are facing key player development and defensive challenges, highlighting the intensity and restlessness surrounding roster preparations league-wide. Buffalo Bills safety Cole Bishop, for example, battled injuries early in his rookie season, hindering his ability to secure the starting job ahead of Damar Hamlin. Buffalo’s defensive coordinator, Bobby Babich, noted Bishop’s promising growth as he enters his second year, attributing early setbacks to limited practice reps during his rookie camp.
Babich stated,
“The jump we’ve seen from Cole from that first year as a rookie to this year has been really good so far. There’s a lot of room left, but it’s been really good so far. I think it’s just the comfortability of what we’re doing. It’s the more reps he gets of one call, that you just see him taking more control. You go back to it, he didn’t play in training camp, right, and that was valuable reps missed out. So I think just the comfortability and what we’re trying to do in the second year is tremendous for him.”
—Bobby Babich, Buffalo Bills Defensive Coordinator
Similarly, Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle expressed optimism about his team‘s defensive backs, who largely lack starting experience. Waddle acknowledged the strong showing from these players in practice and emphasized their technique and adaptability as encouraging signs.
He remarked,
“They look extremely good. I’m not going to lie to y’all, they are making it really tough on the receivers. They’re playing true to their technique. I think they’re doing a good job of taking what they do in individual [drills] to when we go into team [drills]. We’re going to need them to step up and be key for us. I’m happy that they are doing extremely good.”
—Jaylen Waddle, Miami Dolphins Wide Receiver
Evaluating Mental Resilience During Offseason Practices
Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel highlighted the challenge defensive backs face after being beaten in coverage, underlining the importance of mental toughness in bouncing back immediately. He described the offseason as an essential period for evaluating players’ reactions to adversity rather than just surface-level performance.
McDaniel said,
“Defensive back [play] is about the next play after you get beat. It’s not if, but when. So we are getting major evaluation stuff that a guy might have a good day for two days. To me, that’s a setup at this stage in the evaluation for me. I’m waiting, OK, two good days? This is fantastic. I can’t wait till he gets beat, because now we’ve got action. Now we’re seeing who we’re dealing with, because the one thing that I can’t coach is that mental fortitude to bounce back, an inherent feature in the game, and that’s what we’re looking for.”
—Mike McDaniel, Miami Dolphins Head Coach
What the Partnership Means for the Jets’ Future
The collaboration between Tanner Engstrand and Justin Fields carries considerable weight for the New York Jets’ aspirations in 2024. The quarterback-playcaller synergy is expected to bring clarity and precision to the Jets’ offense, which could alleviate some of the concerns fans and analysts have expressed about consistency and execution in recent seasons. With Engstrand’s confidence in his communication with Fields, the Jets look poised to make meaningful strides forward.
This relationship will likely be a storyline to monitor as the team moves through training camp and into the regular season, with the potential to transform the Jets’ offensive identity and overall competitiveness in a tightly contested NFL landscape.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How is Justin Fields managing epilepsy? Justin says that he manages his epilepsy by taking anti seizure medication every day. When he takes his medication, he is able to keep his condition under control. This is evidenced by the fact that he has never missed a game because of epilepsy in his career so far.
A. Justin Fields has been diagnosed with epilepsy, a neurological disorder that can result in seizures.