Jets quarterback Justin Fields appeared headed for the bench when he was pulled at halftime of New York’s loss to the Panthers in Week 7.
Veteran backup Tyrod Taylor finished the game and was expected to start the following week, but those plans were interrupted by a knee injury. Fields started in Week 8 instead and put up one of his best performances of the year. He threw for 244 passing yards anHis 244 passing yards were his second-highest total of the season and the Jets’ 39 points were a season-high. Crucially, Fields did not throw an interception, fumble the football, or take a single sack.
In the two games since, Fields has completed just 21 of his 37 passing attempts (56.7%) for 170 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. He also took five sacks and fumbled once while adding 95 rushing yards on 18 carries. The Jets scored 27 points despite an especially rough game in Week 10, but they could only manage 14 points against the Patriots on Thursday.
Those struggles have led head coach Aaron Glenn to reconsider his starting quarterback selection. When asked about a potential change under center on Friday, he said that he was “evaluating everything.” Glenn also acknowledged that Fields’ recent performance was not up to NFL standards; the fifth-year quarterback essentially admitted the same, per ESPN’s Rich Cimini.
“Obviously, we have to do a better job in the passing game and that has a lot to do with Justin getting the ball to the right guys,” Glenn said.
Taylor is healthy now, so he would be the Jets’ starter if Fields is benched. Glenn described the decision as “really a short-term deal,” indicating that he is less concerned about the team’s long-term quarterback plans than with their success for the rest of the season.
“Whatever that the evaluation process come out to, just know that the reason why I make the decision that I make, it gives us the best chance to win,” Glenn added.
I thought they would keep pace after their first drive went so well last night as Patriots can be bad against teams with a good running QB and RB combo.
I’m waiting for the Jets to get so desperate that they hold a QB competition between Oooof and ChuckyNJ 🙂
Well, I saw a lot the last Jets’ Game. That new wr Mitchell dropped at least two passes right off his hands on PERFECTLY thrown balls. If he had mad those catches Field would have had over 300 yards passing and they probably would have score at least 30+ points. Fields could play better but his receivers dropping good passes is NOT his fault.
Yeah he had some off-target throws but he’s throwing to awful WRs. Several catchable balls were dropped.
What does Tyrod Taylor do for the Jets? Maybe they’re marginally more competitive, but does that even matter? It’s a lost season. Taylor probably won’t be back next year. Fields might be. Fields is also younger and theoretically could develop a little more. Taylor is what he is.
After this many years in the league, I would say Fields is what he is now too.
Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold improved significantly so its possible for anyone to improve.