It’s been nearly 25 years since Herm Edwards delivered one of his most famous lines.
Back in October 2002, during his second season as the Jets’ head coach, the team had a strong start with a 5-2 record. When asked about their resilience, he told reporters, “We play to win the game!”
Fast forward, and Aaron Glenn, the Jets’ current head coach, is reflecting on a less favorable season. In his rookie year, he led the team to a disappointing 2-9 record. Yet, on Wednesday, he echoed his mentor’s sentiment, perhaps slightly rephrasing it. “You play to win,” Glenn said. “We’re not built to just get by. We’re here to compete hard and win as many games as we can. The draft and all that will take care of itself.”
Back in 2002, the Jets responded to Edwards’ passionate declaration by winning four consecutive games, ultimately securing a spot in the playoffs with a 7-2 record.
These Jets, however, are close to being knocked out of playoff contention. Still, Glenn insists that this does not change their mentality. “Our focus is on winning this game,” he stated just ahead of their matchup against the Falcons at MetLife Stadium.
If that focus holds, Tyrod Taylor is likely to start at quarterback, with Justin Fields remaining on the bench. Fields admitted that he didn’t foresee this shift in his role. When asked if he wishes to stay with the Jets next year, even if he isn’t the starter, he responded, “I think today is the only day I have to worry about.”
He asserted that he still views himself as a starter in the league. Although, it’s clear he wasn’t pleased with being benched, he understands it’s not his call. “You can label it however you want,” he remarked about Glenn’s decision. “He believes it’s justified, and he’s making choices based on what he thinks is best.”
Despite these changes, Fields is optimistic about future opportunities. “I know I’ll get another chance; I need to be ready when it comes,” he shared, adding that he hopes that chance happens with the Jets.
That decision, ultimately, is in Glenn’s hands. He’s concentrating on both winning and laying a foundation for the future as the season winds down. “Winning is paramount,” Glenn said. “But we also recognize we’re building something here.”
Regardless of who takes center next season, Glenn emphasizes the importance of finishing this one strong.
“I’m focusing on the fundamentals. We want to create winning situations as we move forward,” he noted. “The team has embraced everything I’ve conveyed, and I’m proud of their efforts. They show resilience; we know victories haven’t always come, but I see progress clearly. I just need to keep pushing to win.”
