Justin Fields and Jets' passing game a work in progress

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — One of the Jets’ strengths this year could be their running game — and it may have to be.

The passing offense has not been impressive to this point.

“Our passing game’s got to continue to improve, just in a number of ways,” coach Aaron Glenn said Monday. “Just overall, the totality of it.”

Glenn spoke before practice. He was evaluating Saturday’s Green and White scrimmage and gave high marks to the rushing attack, which quarterback Justin Fields was a big part of with two touchdown runs. The passing offense continues to disappoint.

After completing just two of 10 throws in the scrimmage, Fields struggled to connect with his receivers again on Monday when the Jets’ passing offense seemed out of sync overall.

Fields was 4-for-16 unofficially during team periods. He had a couple of overthrows and some passes that he missed his target. But he also made some really good throws. He threw a deep pass down the sideline for Breece Hall for a big gain. He also made a nice throw in the corner of the end zone that Allen Lazard went up and got. But the referee said Lazard only had one foot in.

Garrett Wilson had a drop and wasn’t looking on a pass near the end zone that Fields rifled to him that would have been a touchdown. Fields’ last throw also would have been a touchdown to tight end Stone Smartt, but a false start by rookie right tackle Armand Membou negated it.

Cornerbacks Sauce Gardner and Brandon Stephens also made some plays in coverage that contributed to the offense’s struggles.

It’s too soon to panic with the regular season still more than four weeks away, but offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand and his coaches have work to do. 

Fields, who the Jets signed to a two-year, $40 million contract, has always been known more for his ability to run. The Jets are trying to make him more of a passer. Glenn expressed confidence in Fields and believes he will continue to improve.

“When you go back and you really look at the tape, there are some throws that he missed but there's also some throws that he made that were really good throws that we have to make sure we catch also,” Glenn said. “So that goes both ways. I'm excited about that player. I'm excited about the things that he's going to be able to create for us.”

Glenn pointed to Fields’ practice on Friday when he was sharp and ran the offense well.

“He was out of sight,” Glenn said. “Then the other day, it wasn't as good. And that's just the NFL. Man, I wish I could go out there and say, 'This guy's at the top of this game.’ But that's just not reality. So he just got to keep chopping wood like he's doing. And his personality is going to allow him to improve, because of who he is.

“He's a mature person. He understands when he doesn't do well. Just like most of the guys out there but I do know this: he’s going to continue to get better and better and better because of who he is.”

Fields has the support and confidence of his teammates.

“He’s very athletic, he’s very fast and he’s going to take us to the playoffs,” second-year cornerback Qwan’Tez Stiggers said. 

Center Joe Tippmann, who went to Wisconsin, has never played with a dual-threat quarterback before. He’s enjoying working with Fields and then going back and seeing what he does on tape.

“He's freaking awesome,” Tippmann said. “. . . Just seeing him back there slinging it and just the way he carries himself as an athlete, as a quarterback. I really respect the hell out of him and what he does and how he prepares himself and then it shows on the field.”

There’s still plenty of room for improvement for Fields and the Jets’ passing offense.

Two-minute drill

The Jets open the preseason Saturday in Green Bay. Glenn won’t reveal whether he will play the starters until later in the week . . . Rookie tight end Mason Taylor (ankle) and backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor (knee) did not practice Monday . . . Cornerback Kris Boyd (shoulder) and receiver Xavier Gipson (shoulder) are out this week, Glenn said. Both were injured in Saturday’s practice . . . Defensive tackle Quinnen Williams (calf) and left guard John Simpson (back) are also out this week.

By Al Iannazzone

al.iannazzone@newsday.comAl_Iannazzone

Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.