Our insiders dove in on the aftermath of the Dolphins' disastrous opener, both New York QB situations and some RB fantasy nuggets ahead of Week 2.
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NFL Week 2 latest buzz, questions, news and fantasy tips
Are you buying or selling the idea that Justin Fields is the answer to the Jets' QB woes?
Graziano: I am renting with an option to buy. Fields looked a lot better than I -- or almost anyone -- expected in his first game with the Jets. Unless this is the worst Steelers defense in decades, a 72.7% completion percentage and 9.9 yards per pass attempt is worth sitting up and noticing. We know what Fields adds with his legs, and that was on display Sunday. But what really stood out was the previously elusive accuracy and touch on his downfield throws. If he has taken a big leap in that regard, the Jets might be able to scheme around his limitations, lean into his strengths and have success with a very talented former top-12 pick who's still only 26 years old.
Fowler: I am buying a low-cost duplex that I can rent out if I want to move. Look, Fields has a lot to offer -- hard worker, liked by teammates, a willing leader and incredibly dynamic with plenty of arm strength. But we kind of know what he is at this point. He has 45 career starts and has won only 14 of them (not all his fault). He has never thrown more than 17 touchdown passes in a season and completes 61% of his throws.
Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold and Geno Smith have made QB resurgence trendy, and perhaps Fields is next in line. That would be a great story. But I'm somewhat reluctant to believe he can pass with consistent precision and touch throughout an NFL season. The Jets signed him as a bridge quarterback, and that's what I think he is. But I'm very open to being wrong. What's clear is that Fields' supporting cast on offense is pretty good, particularly along the offensive line. Did Sunday change your perception of the Jets, Dan?
Graziano: Yes. I had been told to expect a slowed-down, ball-control, keep-away type of offense that relied on the run game (including Fields' running ability) and didn't ask a ton of Fields as a passer outside of key third-down situations. But it was clear Sunday that the Jets had done enough work with him as a passer that they trust him to throw it more than we expected. Garrett Wilson has true No. 1 wide receiver ability, and I know they like their running backs a lot.
I remain a little concerned about the loss of guard Alijah Vera-Tucker and its long-range impact on the offensive line, and I believe the Jets could use another reliable outside wide receiver to complement Wilson. But I thought the Jets' offense looked better than the Steelers' offense did Sunday, regardless of the final score.
Fowler: Fields' performance was promising, and he looks capable of providing the Jets' offense more versatility than I anticipated. But offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand also did a nice job keeping the game manageable for Fields, having him throw 22 times (vs. 39 team rushing attempts). Asking Fields to be a volume thrower could be problematic, but scheming easier throws to Wilson and impressive rookie tight end Mason Taylor will help the quarterback thrive.