https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/breaking-news/article/jets-coach-aaron-glenn-refuses-to-name-a-starting-quarterback-for-week-8-after-justin-fields-was-benched-145354812.html
The New York Jets are considering every option on the table with the team sitting at 0-7. Jets head coach Aaron Glenn seemed to indicate as much Sunday, as he benched starter Justin Fields after a rough first half.
Veteran backup Tyrod Taylor did not fare much better in the second half, leading Glenn to tell reporters he was undecided on the team’s starting quarterback in Week 8.
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Glenn said he would “continue to look at the situation.” He added that he didn’t want to rush into a decision and would consult with the staff and other coaches who have faced similar challenges before making the call on the team’s starter.
Fields turned in another rough game before being benched in Week 7. During the first half, Fields completed 6 of 12 passes for just 46 yards. He also added 22 rushing yards in the loss. The contest marked the third time this season Fields failed to throw for over 50 passing yards in a game.
Taylor, however, didn’t perform much better in relief of Fields in Week 7. Taylor completed 10 of 22 passes for 126 yards. He did not throw for any touchdowns, but did toss two interceptions in the 13-6 loss.
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Given the two options, there might not be a correct choice for Glenn in Week 8. Fields was expected to be the team’s starter this season after he signed a two-year, $40 million deal with the Jets in the offseason. Prior to his Week 7 benching, Fields seemed to have full support from Glenn, who defended the former first-round pick a number of times earlier in the year.
That confidence hasn’t been rewarded, as Fields has just four touchdowns in six games. While he hasn’t thrown an interception, Fields already has three fumbles. He’s also taken sacks at an extremely high rate, consistently putting the Jets’ offense in poor spots.
Taylor has plenty of experience in the NFL, but hasn’t been used as a full-time starter since 2017. He’s shown the ability to put up adequate numbers when pressed into action, but has spent the last seven years as a backup.
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Whoever gets the start in Week 8 could be in for a bounce-back performance. The Jets will play the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. Through seven games, the Bengals are allowing 30.6 points per game, good for 31st in the NFL. Whoever starts for the Jets should have opportunities to put points on the board.
But a Week 8 breakout is unlikely to save either player in the long term. With the Jets likely to receive a high draft pick, quarterback will almost certainly be the team’s top priority in the offseason.
https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/breaking-news/article/jets-coach-aaron-glenn-refuses-to-name-a-starting-quarterback-for-week-8-after-justin-fields-was-benched-145354812.html
