The strengths of Justin Fields
The first thing that you see with Fields is the arm talent. Fields has a very quick snap on his throws and places the ball very well. Over the middle throws, timing throws, and hitting wide receivers in stride are all things that flash well for Fields. Ohio State doesn’t run a lot of slow-developing plays, but when the offense dials one up, Fields looks to be able to make every throw in the book.
On the move is where Fields is in another stratosphere than any other QB in college. When he rolls out, he gets a good base to throw and his baseball background is obvious. He gets his feet set correctly, shifts his weight well, and is able to get velocity, accuracy, and touch on throws. Most quarterbacks would lose at least one of those traits with all the mechanics that need to stay tight when throwing on the run.
As far as getting downfield with his legs, Fields may not be as electric as Kyler Murray or Lamar Jackson, but he is more than successful as a ball carrier. He isn’t the guy who is going to juke a defensive player out, but he will be a tough tackle for any defensive back trying to arm tackle him. This ability to run, throw on the run, and his quick decision making all make him perfect for an offense that runs a lot of RPO and motion.
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Athletes in space + the read-option = headaches for the opposition@ReggieBush breaks down @justnfields' rushing TD against Wisconsin in his Run of the Week ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/WX1NXSd4o5
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 31, 2019
Fields goes through his progressions well and is good at reading defenses pre-snap. His ability to diagnose and make decisions goes back to his ability to make quick throws, run the RPO extremely well, and see holes in the defense. With his arm talent, he finds holes, usually in the middle of the field and up seams, and makes quick decisive throws.