Jets coach Aaron Glenn seems to be open to the idea of switching quarterbacks as they approach their game against the Ravens on November 23. When asked about possibly benching Justin Fields, Glenn stated, “You know what? To be honest, I’m just evaluating everything.”
While he didn’t directly confront the quarterback situation, his tone has softened compared to his earlier anger over the suggestion of benching Fields after a loss to the Broncos in London.
A month ago, Fields was benched at halftime during the matchup against the Panthers, with Tyrod Taylor stepping in. Since then, Glenn has maintained a low profile, avoiding naming his starting quarterback ahead of the upcoming games against the Bengals, Browns, and Ravens.
Fields had a solid performance in Cincinnati, but unfortunately, his passing stats have struggled again this year. Following a disappointing showing against the Browns—where he recorded only 54 yards—he managed a modest 116 yards and one touchdown during last Thursday’s 27-14 defeat to the Patriots.
Post-game, Fields acknowledged, “It wasn’t good enough.” The Jets are currently struggling, averaging the lowest in the league with just 139.9 passing yards per game.
Glenn remarked, “Obviously we have to do a better job in the passing game, and that has a lot to do with Justin getting the ball to the right guys and a lot to do with guys making those plays when they get a chance.” Newly signed wide receiver Adonai Mitchell dropped two crucial passes, which didn’t help Fields’ case. There are also several misses on throws that have become a recurring theme this season.
“There were some open guys that we missed in that situation; he would say that,” Glenn shared. The Jets signed Fields to a two-year, $40 million deal this offseason, with a guaranteed $10 million for 2026. Yet, given the team’s intention to perhaps draft a new quarterback, Fields’ position as a backup could be uncertain.
When Glen was asked if he would consider starting Taylor to create a spark, he explained, “A lot of times when you make a quarterback change, you hear, ‘Hey, hey, I’m trying to energize the team,’ but for me it’s more or less, ‘Hey, I’m trying to make the best decisions to give our guys a chance to win.’ Because, for me, the spark is really a short-term deal.” His primary focus is on making choices that truly provide the best opportunity for victory.
Furthermore, Glenn expressed deeper frustrations beyond just the passing game against the Patriots. “As far as this game goes, this is probably the first time I’ve ever told you in words that I’m disappointed in losing this game,” he said. “Obviously, you’re frustrated every time you lose, but this particular game was especially upsetting. We had a chance to showcase our growth as a team in all aspects, but our performance simply didn’t reflect that.” He noted communication breakdowns on the defense that contributed to a significant pass from Patriots quarterback Drake Maye.
Interestingly, the Jets have set a troubling record with only one takeaway through ten games, marking the lowest statistic in NFL history, which also includes an absence of interceptions—a rarity at this point in the season. “It’s tough. It’s hard to even imagine getting one takeaway at this point,” Glenn noted. “I can’t pinpoint what’s causing it, whether it’s bad luck or something else, but it’s an area we need to improve.”
