Shannon Sharpe and Chad Johnson Believe Justin Fields Has to Perform as the Jets QB

Justin Fields has earned a valuable third-opportunity in three years as he becomes the starting quarterback of the New York Jets.

Shannon Sharpe and Chad Johnson Believe Justin Fields Has to Perform as the Jets QB

Shannon Sharpe and Chad Johnson have big expectations from Justin Fields (Images via IMAGO)

Nothing is guaranteed in an inexact science like the NFL Draft. there have been multiple first-round picks who were promised an empire but were handed scraps. The most talented of players either did not take advantage of their opportunity to start in the NFL or fell short of the expectations, resulting in their career taking a different trajectory.

Justin Fields has been one of the more fortunate quarterbacks to have gotten an immediate second and third chances after his initial stint with the Bears was unsuccessful. The quarterback is on his third team in three years, and this time he is the undisputed starter for the New York Jets.

As Justin Fields gears up for his new role, NFL veterans Shannon Sharpe and Chad Johnson reiterated the immense pressure on the quarterback’s head. Sharpe went after Fields’ career instability and inability to hold down a situation.

This is your third team in three years. At some point, you gotta accept responsibility. He’s got weapons. He’s got a real offensive coordinator. They’re running out of hedges. You know, the usual excuses if things don’t go well? They’ve been removed.

His words are real. So far, Fields has lost his job in Chicago due to a problematic offensive line and a lack of wide receivers. The head coach and offensive coordinator of Chicago’s vision did not align with Fields’ style of play. Fans empathized with him for that, and rightfully so.

If Justin Fields underperforms as the Jets’ starting QB, he will likely be out of a job next year

During his Steelers tenure, he got the starter’s role due to Russell Wilson being sidelined with an injury. Justin Fields proved his critics wrong, as he ended the year with a 65.8 percent completion rate, threw for 1106 yards, and 5 touchdowns. He cut back on turnovers, and added another 5 touchdowns and 289 yards by rushing. However, as soon as Russell Wilson was back, Fields was benched. Fans empathized with him once again.

Justin Fields
This year will determine if Justin Fields is worthy of being a starter in the NFL. (Image via Open Source)

Now Fields heads to a team that expects him to perform well as the undisputed starter. So the pressure is on, and Fields understands this. If he fails to play well, the quarterback will either be benched or released by the team before next season. Chad Johnson and Shannon Sharpe shared a common sentiment that Fields has some self-reflection to do in front of the mirror.

Sharpe gave him some pointers to put his best foot forward for the season.

Don’t overthink it. Prepare. Know where to go with the ball. And don’t be afraid to use your legs. That’s what makes you a problem.

Preparation and hard work result in guaranteed success. The Hall of Fame tight end believes Justin Fields will do well as long as he prepares well and knows the playbook to a tee. For Fields, the 2025-26 season is an opportunity to resurrect his career and showcase that he can lead a team to the playoffs. There is a lot to be excited about in New York.

The Jets signed the defensive coordinator of the Detroit Lions, Aaron Glenn, to their head coaching role. The team has stable leadership once again following the departure of Robert Saleh mid-season last year. The realistic expectation from the Jets is to prove that this team can recover and make it into the playoffs. Accomplishing that feat alone would render this season a success.

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