NEW YORK — The winless New York Jets are planning a quarterback change, sources instructed ESPN, with proprietor Woody Johnson weighing in Tuesday with stinging criticism of incumbent Justin Fields.
Johnson mentioned the choice is “utterly as much as” coach Aaron Glenn, who’s shifting towards naming Tyrod Taylor the brand new starter, the sources mentioned. However Johnson left little doubt about his view on the matter.
He praised Glenn for “turning round elements” of the staff, however added, “It is laborious when you’ve gotten a quarterback with a ranking that he is acquired. I imply, he has skill, however one thing simply just isn’t jiving. … You need to play persistently at that place, and that is what we’ll attempt to do for the rest of the season.”
Johnson, chatting with reporters on the NFL fall assembly in New York, mentioned enhancements on protection and particular groups present hope for a turnaround. Then he delivered this line: “If we will simply full a go, it could look good.”
The Jets gave Fields a two-year, $40 million contract, together with $30 million in ensures. The plan was to present him a full season to see if he may very well be their long-term reply.
After an 0-7 begin, the Jets apparently have seen sufficient. Glenn, who benched Fields at halftime Sunday, is predicted to announce his determination Wednesday. The Jets face the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.
“The offense is simply not clicking, and you’ll’t run the ball if you cannot go the ball,” Johnson mentioned. “That is soccer 101.”
In six begins, Fields has posted a career-low 32.1 Whole QBR, rating thirty first out of 33 certified passers. He performed among the finest video games of his profession towards the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 1, however his efficiency regressed in current weeks. The Jets have solely seven touchdowns previously six video games, none within the first half.
Johnson, in his first interview since March, mentioned he has no regrets about releasing Aaron Rodgers, who has led the Pittsburgh Steelers to a 4-2 begin.
“I by no means look again,” he mentioned. “You need to look ahead to soccer. Even whenever you reduce gamers, they may very well be a Corridor of Famer. You simply by no means know. However Aaron’s taking part in nice now. He is in a state of affairs that is working for him.”
Johnson mentioned he nonetheless has whole confidence in Glenn, the primary coach in franchise historical past to begin his tenure with this many losses. He mentioned he hugs Glenn each day, giving him encouragement.
“I do consider in Aaron,” Johnson mentioned. “I’ve identified Aaron since 1996 [when] I used to be a fan. I’ve at all times been a fan of him. I see the best way he handles the room. If I have been a participant, I would reply to him as a result of he is the actual deal. No B.S. No second agendas. What you are listening to is the reality, and a variety of occasions gamers do not get the reality. They get a variety of gobbledygook.”
For months, Glenn had been steadfast in his assist of Fields, even after minus-10 web passing yards in a Week 6 loss to the Denver Broncos. The primary crack within the coach’s confidence got here Sunday, when he pulled Fields with the Jets trailing 10-3. Fields accomplished solely 6 of 12 passes for 46 yards within the first half, taking three sacks.
The Jets finally misplaced 13-6, with Taylor throwing two interceptions within the second half. Afterward, Glenn mentioned he was contemplating a change and that he’d seek the advice of with individuals inside and out of doors the group for enter.
That is acquainted territory for Taylor, 36, who has a 28-29-1 file as a starter. He began Week 3 for the Jets, when Fields was sidelined with a concussion. In seven-plus quarters of motion, Taylor is 43-of-69 for 379 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions.
