The New York Jets coach, Aaron Glenn, is quickly adapting to the intense media attention and the fans’ passion for the performance of his team’s quarterback. On Tuesday, Glenn was both amused and annoyed by the reaction after Justin Fields’ two preseason performances.
The Jets’ coach, who is in his first year, added:I mean, there are a lot of people who want to talk about a small amount of plays these guys can make,” the coach said. “And then everything falls apart because we throw six passes [actually five, last Saturday].
Aaron Glenn, New York Jets coach
The Jets, in a decades-long search for a franchise quarterback, have entrusted the 2025 season to Fields, whom they signed to replace Aaron Rodgers. His preseason debut was encouraging, with a 3-of-4 and 42 yards against the Green Bay Packers, but the fans were alarmed by a bad game against the New York Giants. In two series, Fields completed only one of five attempts for four yards. In two games, he still hasn’t attempted a pass of more than nine air yards, which raises concerns about the long passing attack.So, I mean, it’s Johnny Unitas when we throw four passes [in the first game]. So it bothers me, and I laugh quite a bit. But the thing is, I get it because that’s the noise that happens from the outside.
Aaron Glenn, New York Jets coach
Fields continued:“We’re fine with completing eight-yard passes every play, to be honest,” Fields said before Tuesday’s practice. “Of course, you want explosive plays, but like I said on Saturday, we’re not going to force the ball downfield.”
Justin Fields, quarterback for the New York Jets
The Jets have made it clear that they want to be a run-oriented offense. Fields is also a 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 unveiled their true offense, which will likely include RPOs to maximize Fields’ running ability. On the other hand, Fields’s inconsistent passing history (only a 61% career pass completion rate), along with the lack of standout receivers, aside from Garrett Wilson, has raised concerns. Not so for Glenn, who insisted he is “very confident” in his passing attack. If that fails, he believes they can make up for it with their running game. He disagreed with the idea that it’s a passing league.If they want depth on the second level, we’re fine with completing passes of eight to ten yards, taking time off the clock and simply advancing down the field, having series of 10 to 15 plays. It tires the defense. It may not be as exciting on the offensive side of the ball for the fans, but as I said, it’s an efficient game.
Justin Fields, quarterback of the New York Jets
In fact, the Philadelphia Eagles were second in rushing yards and 29th in passing yards. The Jets face the Eagles on Friday night in the final preseason game. Glenn wouldn’t say if Fields will play, although it seems unlikely. A “good amount” of starters will rest, according to Glenn. 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 said Gardner received a massage on his lower right leg/calf from a trainer during practice, but it was because he got kicked in the leg. “Okay,” said the coach.“Who says it’s a passing league?” he responded to a journalist. “The team that won the Super Bowl, what place were they in passing? Twenty-ninth. What place were they in rushing? First.
Aaron Glenn, New York Jets coach
