Jets staying positive as Tyrod Taylor gets opportunity to start

Jets Turn to Tyrod Taylor as Fields is Ruled Out

For the third time in four seasons, the Jets will start a backup quarterback before October even arrives.

Justin Fields, who suffered a concussion on Sunday, has been ruled out for this week’s game by Jets head coach Aaron Glenn. Tyrod Taylor will take the helm against the Buccaneers in Tampa, marking his first start since 2023.

Fields is currently in the league’s five-stage concussion protocol. However, when asked if the swift decision regarding his status indicated a lack of improvement, Glenn replied, “Well, I don’t want to say that. I know how these things are.”

During Sunday’s game, Fields completed three of 11 passes for 27 yards, struggling after a solid debut with the Jets. In the fourth quarter, he was pressured by Joey Bosa, leading to a hit that knocked his head onto the grass at MetLife Stadium.

Taylor, who has started 59 regular-season and playoff games in his 15-year career, hopes to help the Jets avoid an 0-3 start. This will be his first start after serving as a backup five times with the Giants in 2023. Still, he played down the pressure of the situation, remarking, “We know we’re facing a very good team.”

Taylor’s career has been marked by his adaptability while often being in the shadow of other quarterbacks. He has played for teams like the Ravens, Bills, Giants, Chargers, Texans, and Browns since joining the NFL in 2011 as a sixth-round pick. Interestingly, he didn’t have to wait long for playing time in high school or Virginia Tech.

As a rookie, Taylor made it a point to prepare each week as if he would be starting, laying the groundwork for all the chances he would eventually earn. “Obviously you want to play, but there are different ways to make a positive impact on your team,” he reflected. “While waiting for my opportunity, I can’t be a bad teammate. The reality is that I need to be ready now.”

After signing a two-year contract last year, he had minimal chances to contribute during his first season with the Jets. Taylor did appear in two games as a backup to Aaron Rodgers this season but was quickly sidelined again when Fields secured a two-year, $40 million contract in the offseason.

Although he missed some training camp after undergoing knee surgery, he stayed engaged mentally, learning the new system during meetings with quarterbacks and coaches.

Despite the setbacks, Glenn noted how close Taylor has remained to the team: “He’s not used to this,” he said, referring to Taylor’s extensive experience over the past 14 years.

Fields’ absence continues the trend of the Jets needing to pivot to a backup quarterback early on in the season. Last year, Zach Wilson faced a broken right knee and bone bruise during the preseason, leading to a tough start. This season has been no different, as Rodgers was hurt only four snaps into the 2023 season, forcing Wilson back into the starting role.

Now, Taylor, along with a dynamic defense also nicknamed “Hooper” and “Ballar,” faces the challenge of stabilizing an offense that has raised several concerns, especially after last week’s dismal performance where they managed a mere 154 yards.