Jets Switch Quarterbacks After Justin Fields’ Struggles
The New York Jets are moving on from Justin Fields — at least for now.
Following Fields’ rough performance in last Thursday’s loss to the New England Patriots, the Jets are benching him in favor of veteran Tyrod Taylor, per a report from Dianna Russini of The Athletic. Taylor will start in Week 12 against the Baltimore Ravens as New York, currently last in the NFL in passing yards per game, looks for a spark.
This will be Taylor’s second start of the season; his first came in Week 3 while Fields was sidelined with a concussion. The 36-year-old will now take on the team that drafted him back in 2011.
The move comes as Fields continues to struggle. Through nine starts, he has completed 62.7% of his passes for 1,259 yards with seven touchdowns and one interception. He’s added 383 rushing yards and four scores, but he has also lost two fumbles and taken 27 sacks — the fifth-most in the league. His tendency to hold the ball too long has been a recurring problem.
Head coach Aaron Glenn hinted last week that a QB change might be coming, noting that the passing game needed major improvement. Fields threw for just 116 yards against New England, including only 23 in the first half. It was his fifth game this season failing to reach 120 passing yards.
With the Jets sitting at 2–8 and well outside the playoff race, the goal isn’t a miraculous turnaround but rather steadier quarterback play. Taylor, while less dynamic than Fields, has been more reliable. In three appearances this season, he has completed 62.3% of his passes for 379 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions, mostly coming in relief for Fields.
The Jets will face a Ravens defense that ranks near the bottom of the league against the pass, giving up 232.7 yards per game. Glenn is hoping Taylor’s experience and consistency can give New York a better shot at winning on Sunday.
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