New York Jets offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand got his first look at his initial-unit offense on Saturday in the preseason against the Green Bay Packers, and what he wanted to see was exactly what unfolded in a 30-10 victory.
The opening drive set the tone. Justin Fields and the Jets’ first-team offense stitched together a 10-play, 70-yard march that consumed more than five minutes. On the third play from scrimmage, Fields found a six-yard completion on a crucial third-and-5. A second-and-10 later in the drive saw Fields connect with fullback Andrew Beck for 12 yards, keeping the sequence moving. Braelon Allen then ripped off a 14-yard run, and a 16-yard completion to Beck pushed the Jets into Packers territory. A few plays later, Fields slid through a muddied pocket and sprinted for a 13-yard touchdown on third-and-5, capping a drive that perfectly illustrated Engstrand’s vision for the offense.
The dual-threat quarterbacking approach was on full display, with Fields providing a timely mix of passing and rushing that kept the defense honest and sparked big plays in the running game as well as in the passing game. The emphasis on involvement across the repertoire—air, ground, and a spread of targets—appeared to be exactly what Engstrand hoped to achieve from the outset of 2025. The opening drive was a clear demonstration of the offense Engstrand envisions: diverse, efficient, and capable of creating explosive plays when needed.
What this could mean going forward: the performance offered a promising early indicator of the offensive identity Engstrand is aiming to build. If the unit can sustain this balance of quarterback run-threat and dynamic receiving playmakers, the Jets could establish a blueprint for sustained production as the preseason progresses and into the regular season. It’s a positive sign that the group looked cohesive and aggressive from the opening possession, another step in the process of translating practice work into game-day production.
Additional notes and value:
– The drive showcased a blend of methodical moving-the-chains plays and big plays that help set a confident tone for the offense.
– The combination of Fields’s mobility and the ability to connect with a variety of targets could give Engstrand flexibility to attack defenses in multiple ways.
– While one strong first drive is encouraging, the takeaway will be whether this level of execution can be maintained as depth players rotate in and the competition intensity rises in upcoming preseason games.
In sum, Engstrand’s first-team offense delivered a statement drive that aligned with his stated goals for an aggressive, versatile, high-efficiency attack. If this level of performance becomes a trend, the Jets could have a notable early-season trajectory on offense.