The New York Jets remain the only winless team in the NFL, and owner Woody Johnson did not hold back in expressing his concerns about the team’s performance this season. During a media session on October 24, 2023, at the NFL’s Fall League Meeting, Johnson specifically addressed the struggles of quarterback Justin Fields and head coach Aaron Glenn.
As the Jets sit at 0-7, Fields’ numbers tell a troubling story. He has completed just 63.7% of his passes for 845 yards, with four touchdowns and no interceptions. Despite ranking 17th in passer rating, he is 33rd in passing yards per game, and he has contributed to three of the team’s seven fumbles, tying them for the most in the league. Johnson remarked, “If you look at any head coach with a quarterback like that, you’re going to see similar results across the league. You have to play consistently at that position.”
This criticism comes after Fields was benched during a loss to the Carolina Panthers in Week 7, with backup Tyrod Taylor finishing the game. Fields acknowledged his emotions about the situation, stating, “I understand why. It’s life. It’s football. I’ve learned to not take anything personal. Coach wanted to see if there was a spark.”
Johnson emphasized the importance of quarterback performance, saying, “If we can just complete a pass, it would look good. You got to convince them that you can do something; otherwise, it’s hard to have a game that you can win.”
Defensively, Johnson noted some positive aspects, highlighting improvements in special teams and the defense, which he described as “pretty good.” Despite these strengths, the Jets rank 23rd in rushing yards and 26th in points scored, with the fewest takeaways in the league. Kicker Nick Folk has been a bright spot, successfully making all 14 field goal attempts and seven extra points, placing him fifth in the league for field goals made.
The Jets have faced a particularly bleak season, reminiscent of 1996 when they finished with a record of 1-15 after starting 0-8 before securing their only win in Week 9. As the team prepares for a crucial match against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 8, the pressure mounts for a turnaround. Without significant improvements, the specter of a winless season looms large for the beleaguered franchise.
