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Rich Cimini
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Justin Fields will be the starting quarterback for the New York Jets this Sunday when they face the Cleveland Browns.
Head Coach Aaron Glenn of the Jets chose not to reveal his pick during the week of practice for the second game in a row, even though most assumed he intended to stay with Fields.
Before New York’s week off, Fields had his best performance of the year in Week 8. He led the Jets to their first victory by throwing for 244 yards and a touchdown in a 39-38 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Even though he is the only qualified passer in the NFL without an interception, Fields is ranked 29th out of 32 quarterbacks in Total QBR (38.1).
Fields’ performance against Cincinnati was praised, partly as a result of the owner Woody Johnson’s recent public criticism of the quarterback. Johnson appeared to hold him responsible for the Jets’ 0-7 start. Fields later said that it was a very emotional week for him. Two days before Johnson’s comments, Fields was taken out of the game at halftime during a loss to the Carolina Panthers.
Sources claim that Glenn was considering starting Tyrod Taylor in Cincinnati, but Taylor was removed from consideration the night before the game due to a knee injury. This appeared to be a break for Fields, who took full advantage of it.
Glenn’s prior inclination toward Taylor could be the explanation for his choice to not formally name Fields as the starter against the Browns. The first-year coach offered no justification for withholding his choice, but it did attract attention and elicit a strong response on social media.
Taylor is now in good condition after taking advantage of the bye week. He participated fully in practice and will serve as the No. 2 quarterback against Cleveland. Wide receiver Garrett Wilson, who has been sidelined for the past two games due to a knee injury, is also anticipated to return.
