-
Rich Cimini
New York – Winless New York Jets Owner Woody Johnson was harshly critical of the current one on Tuesday after sources told ESPN that he is planning a quarterback change. Justin Fields,
Johnson said the decision is “entirely” up to coach Aaron Glenn, who is moving toward naming tyrod taylor New starter, sources said. But Johnson left no doubt about his stance on the matter.
He praised Glenn for “changing some parts” of the team, but also said, “It’s tough when you have a quarterback with a rating like him. I mean, he’s got the ability, but something isn’t right. … You’ve got to play consistently at that position, and that’s what we’re going to try to do for the rest of the season.”
Johnson, speaking to reporters at the NFL fall meetings in New York, said improvements on defense and special teams provide hope for change. Then he said this line: “If we could complete a pass, that would feel good.”
The Jets gave Fields a two-year, $40 million contract that included $30 million guaranteed. The plan was to give him a full season to see if he could be their long-term answer.
After an 0-7 start, the Jets have clearly seen enough. Glenn, who benched Fields at halftime Sunday, is expected to announce his decision Wednesday. face the jets cincinnati bengals On Sunday.
“The offense is just not clicking, and if you can’t pass the ball you can’t run the ball,” Johnson said. “That’s Football 101.”
In six starts, Fields has posted a career-low 32.1 total QBR, which ranks 31st out of 33 qualified passers. He played the best game of his career against pittsburgh steelers in Week 1, but his performance declined in recent weeks. The Jets have only seven touchdowns in the last six games, none in the first half.
Johnson said in his first interview since March that he had no regrets about his release aaron rodgersWhich gave the Pittsburgh Steelers a 4-2 lead.
“I never look back,” he said. “You’ve got to be on the lookout for football. Even when you cut players, they could be Hall of Famers. You never know. But Aaron is playing very well now. He’s in a situation that’s working for him.”
Johnson said he still has full confidence in Glenn, who is the first coach in franchise history to begin his tenure with so many losses. He said he hugs Glenn every day, which encourages him.
“I believe in Aaron,” Johnson said. “I’ve known Aaron since 1996 [when] I was a fan. I have always been his fan. I watch how he handles the room. If I were the player, I would have replied to him because he is the real deal. No BS, no other agenda. What you’re hearing is true, and sometimes players don’t know the truth. They get a lot of crap.”
Glenn had been steadfast in his support of Fields for months, even after the loss by minus 10 net passing yards in Week 6. denver broncosThe first crack in the coach’s confidence came Sunday, when he pulled Fields when the Jets trailed 10-3. Fields completed only 6 of 12 passes for 46 yards in the first half, and took three sacks.
The Jets ultimately lost 13–6, with Taylor throwing two interceptions in the second half. Subsequently, Glenn said that he was considering a change and that he would consult with people inside and outside the organization for input.
It’s familiar territory for the 36-year-old Taylor, whose rookie record is 28-29-1. He started for the Jets in Week 3 when Fields was sidelined with an injury. Over seven quarters of action, Taylor is 43 of 69 for 379 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions.
