jets to Start Tyrod Taylor, Bench Justin Fields
The New York Jets are set to make a change at quarterback, benching justin Fields in favor of veteran Tyrod Taylor, according to sources.The move comes after a stretch of poor performances from Fields,highlighted by consistently low passing yardage.
Fields has thrown for 120 or fewer yards in four of his last five games, and under 55 yards in three of those contests. A particularly low point occurred during a 27-14 loss to the New england Patriots, where a pass deflected off a Jets offensive lineman’s helmet.As an inevitable result, the Jets currently possess the NFL’s worst passing offense, ranking last in passing yards per game (139.9), 26th in passing touchdowns (11), 24th in completion percentage (62.5),and 29th in EPA per dropback.
Jets head coach Robert Saleh acknowledged the need for improvement in the passing game following the loss to the Patriots, stating, “We got to get better at passing the ball, we got to get a lot better in the passing game.” He noted a combination of missed opportunities by both Fields and receivers,despite generally good pass protection.
Taylor,36,previously started for the Jets against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 3 while Fields was recovering from a concussion,completing 26 of 36 passes for 197 yards,two touchdowns,and one interception.
The Jets now face a decision regarding Fields’ role on the team. Options include retaining him as the primary backup or demoting him to third string, a move the team previously made with Zach wilson in 2022 to allow for growth without immediate playing pressure. Fields is under contract for the next season with $10 million guaranteed. The team may also evaluate undrafted rookie Brady Cook, currently on the practice squad, to assess his potential as a future backup.
Taylor is expected to start against the Baltimore Ravens.
