Justin Fields reacts to Aaron Glenn benching him for Tyrod Tyler and explains the Jets’ offensive struggles
The future of New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields is uncertain following New York’s 13-6 loss to the Carolina Panthers. It represents the the team begins its seventh consecutive streak Aaron Glenn’s tenure as head coach. Glenn benched Fields at halftime in favor of Tyrod Taylor after the Jets failed to score on five of six possessions, managing only one field goal and wasted by sloppy play.
Carolina sacked Fields three times in the first half and he only threw for 46 yards before Glenn passed to Taylor. He finished 10 of 22 for 126 yards and threw two interceptions to Jaycee Horn after intermission.
“(I was) a little (surprised), but at the same time, I can’t be mad at the decision,” Fields said of his benching. “I understand why. It’s life. It’s football. I’ve learned not to take anything personal. Coach AG wanted to see if there was a spark.”
Failing to score a touchdown for the second straight game is alarming for Fields, whose last scoring drive came on a 9-yard toss to Garrett Wilson in a 37-22 loss to the Cowboys on October 5.
Sunday’s opening possession against the Panthers ended on fourth down at the Carolina 330-yard line after Fields failed to connect with Josh Reynolds. Afterward, New York converted only twice on third down during the rest of the half, scoring three points.
“We all have our different opinions,” Fields said. “I completed 11 or 12 passes in the first half. I had 50 yards, so it’s not my decision and I’m here to be the best teammate, the best person that I can be. It’s not up to me. I wish things had gone a little differently. I’m going to show up to work every day the same way and try to be a light in the world.”
When asked to explain New York’s recent issues regarding offensive entry into the end zone, Fields was blunt in his assessment.
“We didn’t get in the end zone… there’s a lot of them,” Fields said. “I don’t want to be rude, but to be honest with you, there’s no explanation. We just didn’t play well enough.”
Glenn faces a decision at quarterback before next weekend’s game at Cincinnati. He doesn’t have commit to a starter following the defeat against the Panthers. Taylor put the Jets in scoring position on several possessions in the second half, but two costly errors ended those threats.
“As a competitor you always want to go first, but it’s not my decision and I won’t feel any emotion about coach’s decision,” Taylor said. “I’ll be ready to take that opportunity, but I’m also here to support Justin. I have a lot of respect for him and for all the guys in this locker room.”
