New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn announced that quarterback Justin Fields is being benched.
Veteran Tyrod Taylor will start against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 12. The decision arrives after Fields and the Jets were blown out 27-14 on “Thursday Night Football” in Week 11 by their AFC East division rival New England Patriots.
The timing is curious, amongst other factors.
With that, Jets Wire identified three reasons why benching Fields now is a mistake.
Fields initially overcame initial whispers of a benching
Speculation was that Glenn planned on benching Fields prior to the Week 8 contest versus the Cincinnati Bengals. Taylor appeared on the midweek injury report with a setback and the QB change wasn’t made. Fields responded by leading the Jets to an emotional 39-38 victory, and the Jets made it two straight wins with another victory over the Cleveland Browns the following week.
Taylor can’t replicate Fields’ rushing production
Fields rushed for 67 yards and a touchdown versus the Patriots. He’s been one of the more dangerous dual-threat scramblers at quarterback this season. The veteran Taylor can’t match Fields’ rushing prowess. With superstar receiver Garrett Wilson on IR, is going to a pass-heavy approach with Taylor a better idea?
Taylor isn’t the Jets’ QB of the future
Taylor is a 36-year-old quarterback and 15-year pro. He obviously isn’t the Jets’ quarterback of the future. Though Fields hasn’t shown franchise QB signs either, he’s signed through next season and could continue helping the Jets transition to a rookie signal-caller.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: 3 reasons why benching Justin Fields now is a mistake by the New York Jets
Reporting by Justin Melo, Jets Wire / Jets Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
