SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – When Justin Fields escapes the pocket on third downs, whether due to his own volition or pass protection breaking down, he feels no discomfort. No anxiety.
Because of an arm that has allowed him to pull off a 40-to-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio and speed that has him running 4.4-second 40-yard dash, he both keeps his eyes downfield but retains an ability to take off and attempt to move the chains with his legs. To any defense, even Clemson’s, that’s so, so difficult to defend. As Kevin Wilson noted on Tuesday, his legs have played a significant role in Ohio State’s nation-best 57 percent third-down conversion rate.