Justin Fields will start as the quarterback for the New York Jets this Sunday against the Cleveland Browns. Jets coach Aaron Glenn kept his decision under wraps during the practice week, but it seems everyone expected Fields to get the nod.
Fields recently had his best game of the season before the bye week. He threw for 244 yards and a touchdown in a thrilling 39-38 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. One impressive stat: he’s the only qualified passer in the NFL without an interception. However, he ranks towards the bottom in Total QBR, sitting 29th out of 32 quarterbacks.
His turnaround came after a rocky start to the season, during which the Jets opened with an 0-7 record. Owner Woody Johnson had publicly criticized Fields just days before the Bengals game, seeming to blame him for the team’s struggles. Fields later shared that it was a tough week for him emotionally. He had been benched at halftime in a previous loss to the Carolina Panthers, which added to the pressure.
Interestingly, there was a possibility that Tyrod Taylor would start against Cincinnati. However, he had to bow out due to a knee injury, giving Fields a chance to shine. This twist means Glenn might have been hesitant to name Fields as the starter against the Browns—perhaps to keep the competition alive.
Now, Taylor is back and healthy, ready to serve as the backup. Also returning is wide receiver Garrett Wilson, who missed the last two games due to a knee injury. The Jets are hoping these changes will spark more success as they aim to turn their season around.
Recent statistics show a trend in quarterback performance this season. According to a league report, passing efficiency is down across the board, with many teams struggling with interceptions and turnovers. The Jets certainly feel this pressure, especially after their rocky start.
As Fields takes the field against the Browns, eyes will be on both his performance and the reactions from fans on social media, where conversations about players and their performances are always lively. Whether Fields can build on his last game remains to be seen, but the hope is that he can lead the Jets to their second victory of the season.
For more detailed insights on NFL trends and player performances, you can check out this NFL report.
