Jets: Glenn hides QB1 against Bengals, Taylor or Fields?

In Florham Park, New Jersey, the winless New York Jets are handling their quarterback situation cautiously, similar to their recent two-minute drills. Coach Aaron Glenn opted not to announce the starter on Wednesday, seeking to gain a competitive edge. Although the decision has been made, Glenn wants to keep the Cincinnati Bengals in suspense between Justin Fields and Tyrod Taylor. Taylor, considered the favorite according to sources, appeared on the injury report with a knee ailment, but participated in the first part of the training. His status is day-to-day, according to Glenn.

Glenn’s announcement came a day after owner Woody Johnson publicly criticized Fields, essentially attributing the team’s 0-7 season start to him. If Glenn relegates Fields, the perception will be created that Johnson is making the decisions.

Woody leaves all that in my hands

Aaron Glenn

Johnson’s comments, made to reporters at the NFL’s fall meeting in New York, put Glenn in an awkward position. The coach downplayed the situation, saying: “He’s our owner and he’s entitled to his opinion.” Glenn also stated that Johnson was amplifying what he and many others have said about the Jets’ ineffective offense, which has gone two games without scoring a touchdown.

We just said it with a different tone and way. So I’m glad we’re on the same page, even with our quarterbacks. So we’re good with that.

Aaron Glenn

Of course, the criticism resonates more when it comes from the owner. Glenn did not dismiss Johnson’s comments. The coach said he addressed the matter in the team meeting. He also met privately with Fields, who struggled in six starts and was substituted at halftime of the 13-6 loss to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.

He made a comment and has every right to do so. That comment was actually said by several guys, including our quarterback, regarding the efficiency of how we play. We’re not going to fight that. We understand we have to improve.

Aaron Glenn

Glenn said he didn’t read Johnson’s quotes, but was clearly aware of the phrase that made headlines. Referring to the anemic offense, Johnson said: “If only we could complete a pass, it would look good.” That’s what he says, but in general we’re on the same page when it comes to that. On Tuesday, Glenn was leaning towards Taylor, according to sources. The 36-year-old veteran has a 28-29-1 record as a starter, including 0-1 this season when Fields missed Week 3 due to a concussion. Fields received a two-year, $40 million contract in the offseason with the idea that he would have the whole season to prove he could be the team’s long-term solution, but he has regressed since a promising Week 1 game. The Fields-led offense has scored only four touchdowns in the last four games, none in the first half. He ranks 31st out of 33 qualified passers in QBR with a career low of 31.8.

“I have all the confidence in the world in Justin, I have all the confidence in the world in Tyrod, and I have all the confidence in the world in Brady Cook,” Glenn said, referring to the Jets’ practice squad quarterback, an undrafted rookie.

Aaron Glenn

Whoever starts at quarterback will be helped if wide receiver Garrett Wilson (knee) returns to the lineup. Wilson, whose status is day-to-day after missing last week, was not on the field during the first part of Wednesday’s practice.