Aaron Glenn and the Media’s Obsession with the Jets’ Quarterback
New York Jets coach Aaron Glenn is quickly learning about the intense media attention and fan passion surrounding his team’s quarterback’s performance. On Tuesday, Glenn showed a mix of amusement and annoyance at the reaction generated by Justin Fields’ two preseason performances.The coach continued to express his feelings about the reactions: “So, it’s like I was Johnny Unitas when we threw four passes [in the first game]. It bothers me and makes me laugh quite a bit. But I understand, because that’s the noise out there.” The Jets, in their search for a franchise quarterback, have entrusted the 2025 season to Fields, who was signed to replace Aaron Rodgers. His first preseason game was promising, with 3 of 4 and 42 yards against the Green Bay Packers, but the fans were concerned about the poor performance on the weekend against the New York Giants. In two series, Fields completed only one of five attempts for 4 yards. In two games, he has yet to attempt a pass of more than 9 yards, which has generated concern about the deep attack.“There are a lot of people who want to talk about a small amount of plays these guys have to play,” the coach commented. “And then everything falls apart because we throw six passes [actually five, last Saturday].”
Aaron Glenn
Fields added: “If they want depth on the second level, we are fine with completing 8 or 10-yard passes, taking time off the clock and simply advancing down the field and having 10 to 15-play series. It tires the defense. It may not be that exciting for the fans, but as I said, it’s an efficient game.” The Jets have made it clear that they want to be a run-focused offense. Fields is also a big factor in that. In fact, he scored on a 13-yard run against the Packers, the only touchdown by the starting offense in three possessions this preseason. Like other teams, the Jets haven’t revealed their true offense, which will likely include run and pass options to maximize Fields’ running ability. On the other hand, Fields’s inconsistent passing history (61% career completion rate), along with the lack of standout receivers, aside from Garrett Wilson, has raised concerns. For Glenn, this is not a cause for alarm, and he insists that he has “a lot of confidence” in the aerial attack. If this doesn’t work, he believes the Jets can make up for it with their running game. He questioned the idea that the NFL is a passing league.“We’re fine with completing 8-yard passes every play, being honest,” Fields said before Tuesday’s practice. “Of course you want explosive plays, but like I said Saturday, we’re not going to force the ball downfield.”
Justin Fields
The Philadelphia Eagles were second in rushing yards and 29th in passing yards last season. The Jets face the Eagles on Friday night in the last preseason game. Glenn didn’t want to say if Fields will play, although it seems unlikely. According to Glenn, a “good amount” of starters will rest. Meanwhile, the Jets are getting healthy on defense. Cornerback Sauce Gardner, defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and defensive end Jermaine Johnson returned to team drills on Tuesday after missing several practices. The coach explained that the massage on Gardner’s right leg/calf was due to a kick he received during training. “Okay,” the coach affirmed.“Who says it’s a passing league?” Glenn questioned a reporter. “The team that won the Super Bowl, what position did they finish in passing? Twenty-ninth. What position did they finish in rushing? First”.
Aaron Glenn
