Jets Bench Justin Fields; Tyrod Taylor Starts Against Ravens: Source
Following a disappointing performance against the New England Patriots, the New York Jets have decided to bench Justin Fields. Instead, veteran quarterback Tyrod Taylor will take the starting position in their upcoming match against the Baltimore Ravens.
Quarterback Change for the Jets
The decision to insert Taylor as the starter comes after Fields struggled in recent weeks. Notably, he has thrown for 120 yards or fewer in four of his last five games. During these outings, Fields managed fewer than 55 passing yards in three contests. This marked a significant decline for the Jets, who currently rank last in the NFL for passing yards per game, averaging only 139.9.
Performance Statistics
- Passing Yards per Game: 139.9 (last in the league)
- Passing Touchdowns: 11 (26th overall)
- Completion Percentage: 62.5% (24th overall)
- EPA per Dropback: 29th in the league
Coach Aaron Glenn’s shift in strategy reflects the urgent need to improve the Jets’ struggling passing offense. He noted that while there were good moments in Fields’ recent performance, there were also crucial missed opportunities. This compelled the coaching staff to seek a change.
Tyrod Taylor Takes the Helm
Tyrod Taylor, at 36 years old, has experience and a supportive presence in the locker room. He previously started against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers when Fields was sidelined due to a concussion. In that game, Taylor completed 26 of 36 passes for 197 yards, along with two touchdowns and one interception.
As Fields transitions to a backup role, there are questions regarding his position. The Jets might choose to make him the second-string quarterback or move him down to third string. In a similar past instance, Zach Wilson was demoted to third string after being benched in 2022. This allowed him the chance to refine his skills away from the pressure of starting.
Future Considerations for Fields
Fields remains under contract for the next season, with $10 million guaranteed. If the Jets opt to retain him, this could be an opportunity for him to grow without the immediate pressures of playing. Additionally, the Jets are likely to evaluate undrafted rookie Brady Cook, who is currently on their practice squad. While he may not be a long-term solution, his play could provide insights into the team’s future quarterback depth.
This quarterback change comes as the Jets aim to reshape their passing game and improve their overall performance in the lead-up to their critical matchup against the Ravens.
