EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — New York Jets’ Justin Fields has finally been benched.
After a dismal first half on Sunday, Fields was replaced by backup Tyrod Taylor on the Jets’ first offensive drive after halftime with New York trailing the Carolina Panthers 13-3.
This was coach Aaron Glenn’s first public acknowledgment that Fields was not performing as a quarterback.
Glenn has been steadfast in his support of Fields, whom the Jets signed to a two-year, $40 million contract in free agency, but his patience ran out after a brutal showing against the Panthers.
Fields, who was sacked nine times last week for minus-10 net passing yards, has vowed to be more aggressive in her decision making. But nothing worked. He completed just 6 of 12 passes for 46 yards and was sacked three times. The Jets managed just six first downs and 97 total yards in the first half, extending their touchdown drought to six quarters.
Taylor finished the game 10 of 22 passing for 126 yards and two interceptions as the Jets fell to the Panthers 13-6 to fall to 0-7 on the season.
Glenn was criticized for not pulling Fields last week in a 13-11 loss to the Denver Broncos. His reasoning was that he did not want to create a scenario where Fields “looks over his shoulder.”
Taylor started in Week 3 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but Fields was out that week with a concussion.