The New York Jets have decided to make a significant shift in their quarterback lineup as they seek to improve their disappointing 2-8 record this season. First-year head coach Aaron Glenn has benched Justin Fields in favor of veteran quarterback Tyrod Taylor, as reported by Jonathan Jones and Matt Zentiz.
Taylor, who is 36 years old, is set to make his second start of the season this Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens, a team currently enjoying a four-game winning streak. In his previous start in Week 3, Taylor showcased his potential by completing 26 of 36 passes for 197 yards, along with two touchdowns and one interception, despite the Jets’ loss to the Buccaneers.
With 15 years of NFL experience and having earned a Pro Bowl selection during his career, Taylor brings a wealth of knowledge to the Jets’ huddle. He has appeared in 97 regular-season games, including 59 starts, giving him a significant edge in terms of experience as he steps into the spotlight.
Meanwhile, Fields finds himself benched after signing a two-year contract with the Jets just seven months ago. The former first-round pick had a respectable completion rate of 62.7% this season, with seven touchdowns to just one interception; however, the Jets struggled to find success with Fields at the helm, only managing a 2-7 record during his starts. His recent performances have been lackluster, highlighted by an outing where he completed just 6 of 11 passes in a Week 10 victory against the Browns, and failing to reach 60% completion in last week’s loss to the Patriots.
This change marks a new chapter for the Jets, as they aim to reignite their season and spark a turnaround in their performance on the field. With Taylor taking the lead, there is a sense of hope that his experience and playmaking ability will help the team regain momentum.