Aaron Glenn recently defended Justin Fields by mentioning the last two NFL MVPs, claiming Fields has a quicker throw than them while emphasizing that time-to-throw statistics don’t always lead to improved outcomes.
“Look at Lamar. [Jackson] I believe his ball-out numbers exceed Justin’s,” Glenn noted, adding, “Josh Allen’s metrics are also better than Justin’s, yet people see them for who they are and fail to understand Justin.”
That said, Glenn’s comparison misses the mark.
According to Pro Football Focus, Fields boasts the best pitching time at 3.22 seconds among quarterbacks who have dropped back at least 20 percent this season. In contrast, Jackson’s time is 3.15 seconds, while Allen trails with 3.05 seconds.
Glenn’s remarks seemed to falter under increasing pressure after the Jets faced an 0-6 start heading into their match against the Panthers at MetLife Stadium this Sunday.
When pressed after the Jets’ recent loss in London about Fields’ status as the starter, Glenn seemed taken aback, responding, “What kind of question is that?”
And just three days later, when questioned about giving Fields more opportunities, he acknowledged it was necessary but cautioned, “If something bad happens, you’ll all complain.”
Fields has openly expressed a desire to take more risks after being sacked nine times and recording -10 net passing yards against the Broncos in London earlier this week.
Although he hasn’t thrown an interception this season—something he aims to protect the Jets from—he admitted there’s a “healthy balance” between squeezing into a tight spot and breaking free.
“I won’t pretend there aren’t moments when he needs to make the play,” Glenn commented on Friday about Fields. “He’s aware of that and has communicated it well. We’ll keep working on it as best we can.”
