-
Rich Cimini
Justin Fields is set to begin at quarterback for the New York Jets on Sunday facing the Cleveland Browns, sources informed ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
For the second consecutive game, Jets coach Aaron Glenn opted not to reveal his decision during the practice week, though it was largely understood that he intended to continue with Fields.
Fields is coming off his strongest performance of the season in Week 8, prior to New York’s bye, where he led the Jets to their first victory, throwing for 244 yards and one touchdown in a 39-38 win against the Cincinnati Bengals. Fields stands as the only qualified passer in the NFL without an interception, but he is ranked 29th out of 32 quarterbacks in Total QBR (38.1).
1 Related
Fields received praise for his outing against Cincinnati, notably because it followed closely after owner Woody Johnson publicly criticized Fields, effectively attributing blame to him for the Jets’ winless 0-7 start. Fields later acknowledged that it was an emotionally charged week. Just two days ahead of Johnson’s remarks, he had been benched at halftime during a defeat against the Carolina Panthers.
Glenn was considering Tyrod Taylor to start in Cincinnati, sources indicated, but Taylor was sidelined the night before the game due to a knee injury — a fortuitous break for Fields, who took advantage of the opportunity.
Glenn’s earlier inclination toward Taylor might clarify why he refrained from naming Fields as his starter against the Browns. The rookie coach did not provide a rationale for keeping his decision private, yet it certainly garnered attention and elicited strong reactions on social media.
Taylor, benefiting from the bye week, is now fit. He participated fully in practice and will serve as the No. 2 quarterback against Cleveland. Additionally, wide receiver Garrett Wilson, who sat out the last two games due to a knee injury, is anticipated to return.
