Jets owner Woody Johnson still believes in head coach Aaron Glenn, but he has doubts about quarterback Justin Fields. The team is struggling, sitting at 0-7 for the third time in its history. Last week’s loss against the Panthers led to Fields being benched at halftime.
Glenn is weighing whether to start Fields again, who has a hefty two-year, $40 million contract, or switch to Tyrod Taylor for the upcoming game against the Bengals. Johnson expressed his support for Glenn’s leadership but noted the challenges with the quarterback position.
“When you have a quarterback performing as we’ve seen, it’s tough,” Johnson remarked at the league’s fall owners meeting. “You need consistent play to win games.” In fact, consistent play is crucial across the league; an expert in sports psychology pointed out that consistency in a high-pressure position like quarterback is often the key to team success.
Despite the bleak record, Johnson sees potential. He mentioned the Jets’ “pretty good” defense and special teams, hoping those strengths could help turn the season around. However, he also noted, “Hope alone isn’t enough,” emphasizing the need for tangible results.
The Jets’ offense is a concern. They currently rank 27th in the league, averaging just 18.4 points per game. Surprisingly, they’ve scored only one touchdown in the first three quarters over their last six games, raising questions about Fields’ ability. His misleading passer rating of 91.1 doesn’t tell the full story. It’s clear that effective passing is essential; one sports analyst pointed out that teams struggling to throw the ball often find it even harder to run.
Johnson remains optimistic about Glenn’s coaching. He appreciates Glenn’s straightforward communication style, saying, “Players respond to honesty.” Johnson believes the team is rallying behind Glenn, adding that he encourages him daily. Their close relationship is evident, with Johnson giving Glenn hugs and words of encouragement.
Fans play a significant role in this scenario, too. Johnson praised the Jets’ loyal supporters, recognizing their faith as a key asset for the team. “When you have that kind of allegiance, it matters,” he said.
As the trade deadline approaches on November 4, Johnson hinted at possibilities for improvement. General manager Darren Mougey is under scrutiny for deciding whether to acquire new offensive talent, particularly at receiver. Johnson stated, “We are always looking at every option.”
On the roster, three of the team’s top four 2022 draft picks—Garrett Wilson, Sauce Gardner, and Jermaine Johnson—are under contract for next season, but Breece Hall’s future hangs in the balance. Although he’s averaging 4.5 yards per carry, he hasn’t scored a touchdown and is a free agent after this season. Johnson didn’t speculate on Hall’s future but acknowledged the importance of locking in the other talented players.
In short, while there are challenges ahead, Johnson’s steady faith in both Glenn and the team’s potential may guide the Jets through this tough season.
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NFL,Sports,justin fields,New York Jets,tyrod taylor,woody johnson
