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Rich CiminiOct 19, 2025, 03:08 PM ET<\/p>\n
Close<\/a>Rich Cimini is a staff writer who covers the New York Jets and the NFL at ESPN. Rich has covered the Jets for over 30 years, joining ESPN in 2010. Rich also hosts the Flight Deck podcast. He previously was a beat writer for the New York Daily News and is a graduate of Syracuse University.<\/p>\n EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — New York Jets<\/a> quarterback Justin Fields<\/a> finally got benched.<\/p>\n After a dismal first half Sunday, Fields was replaced by backup Tyrod Taylor<\/a> on the Jets’ first offensive drive after halftime with New York trailing the Carolina Panthers<\/a> 13-3.<\/p>\n It’s coach Aaron Glenn’s first public acknowledgement that Fields isn’t working out as the starting quarterback.<\/p>\n Glenn had 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.<\/p>\n Fields, sacked nine times last week for -10 net yards passing, had vowed to be more aggressive with his decision-making. But nothing worked. He completed only 6 of 12 passes for 46 yards and was sacked three times. The Jets managed only six first downs and 97 total yards in the first half, bringing their touchdown drought to six quarters.<\/p>\n Glenn was criticized for not pulling Fields last week in a 13-11 loss to the Denver Broncos<\/a>. His rationale was that he didn’t want to create a scenario where Fields is “looking over his shoulder.”<\/p>\n