Jets Owner’s Critique of Justin Fields Sparks Response

Woody Johnson, the owner of the New York Jets, stirred the pot recently by criticizing quarterback Justin Fields. After the Jets’ disappointing 0-7 start, Johnson pointed to the lack of performance at the quarterback position as a primary reason for the team’s struggles.

Fields, however, didn’t seem fazed by the criticism when it was brought up. “I don’t think anything will happen if I talk to him,” he stated after practice on Wednesday. “I mean, it doesn’t make me play better or feel more confident, so I don’t really see the point in discussing it, and I doubt he’ll come to me anyway.”

Interestingly, Fields has found support among his fellow quarterbacks. During a segment on ESPN’s Sunday’s NFL Countdown, former QB Alex Smith did not hold back in addressing Johnson’s ownership, calling the lack of accountability “sneaky.”

Smith expressed his frustration: “This is ridiculous,” he began. “Yes, it’s true: rock bottom has been reached, but isn’t that, in part, because of Johnson?”

He continued to elaborate on the challenges posed by dysfunctional ownership. “You can’t overcome that. Woody Johnson is the definition of dysfunctional ownership. I’ve experienced it myself. How many head coaches and quarterbacks has he cycled through? He’s thrown this kid under the bus.”

Smith then noted recent successes of former Jets players and coaches after leaving the organization, such as Sam Darnold and Robert Saleh, indicating a potential problem with Jets leadership. “Suddenly, everyone’s winning, right? Maybe you’re the issue, Woody. It’s worth considering,” he remarked. He pointed out that the Jets’ playoff drought is the longest in the NFL, stretching over 14 seasons, a record it shares with the Buffalo Sabres across major sports leagues.

“Ultimately, it’s a top-down issue; this is just unacceptable,” Smith said. “This owner has shifted directions so often that he’s practically driven a bus over a 26-year-old quarterback.”

While Smith acknowledged that Fields hasn’t performed spectacularly this season, he questioned if it was fair to pin all the blame on him. “We’re not winning, but it’s a collective issue. The head coach, the coordinators, the entire roster—they’re all part of it,” he argued.

In wrapping up his analysis, Smith made it a point to remind everyone, especially Johnson, that Fields is currently the team’s starting quarterback. “By the way, he’s wearing the jersey today. He’s your starting quarterback,” Smith noted sharply. “What do you see when you look at him in the locker room?”

In a broader context, the facts about Johnson’s time as owner outline a difficult journey for the Jets and their quarterbacks. Since he took over in January 2000, the Jets have seen nine head coaches, including both permanent and interim. Smith’s critique resonates particularly as a number of different quarterbacks have started for New York during this era, each struggling to leave a mark.

• Vinny Testaverde
• Chad Pennington
• Quincy Carter
• Brooks Bollinger
• Kellen Clemens
• Brett Favre
• Mark Sanchez
• Greg McElroy
• Geno Smith
• Michael Vick
• Ryan Fitzpatrick
• Bryce Petty
• Josh McCown
• Sam Darnold
• Luke Falk
• Trevor Siemian
• Joe Flacco
• Zach Wilson
• Mike White
• Tim Boyle
• Aaron Rodgers
• Justin Fields
• Tyrod Taylor

Johnson’s ownership record shows disappointment with a win-loss standing of 173-238 since he took over the Jets. The underlying issues appear complex, reflecting a broader challenge that the team must confront moving forward.