Jets' Aaron Glenn reveals why he benched Justin Fields in Week 7

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Jets' Aaron Glenn reveals why he benched Justin Fields in Week 7

October 19, 2025

Jets’ Aaron Glenn reveals why he benched Justin Fields in Week 7 originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The New York Jets, coming off a disastrous 13-11 loss to the Denver Broncos, in which Justin Fields and the passing offense had -10 net passing yards, came into Week 7 in desperate need of a bounce back.

But Fields and the offense continued to struggle, and the Jets were on the brink of dropping their seventh-straight game this season, continuing their brutal slide to begin the year. In the middle of the game, Aaron Glenn made a decision, benching Fields in favor of Tyrod Taylor.

After the game, in which the Jets lost 13-6, Glenn was asked about benching Fields. As Underdog NFL shares on Twitter/X, Glenn’s four-word response was a subtle look at where the team stands, while also opening up the door for change in the future.

Jets’ Aaron Glenn reveals why he benched Justin Fields

“We needed a spark,” Glenn said postgame. He also didn’t make any final decisions for their Week 8 starting quarterback, opening the door for Taylor to come into the week as the starter for the first time this season when Fields is healthy.

HC Aaron Glenn on benching Justin Fields:

“We needed a spark.”

Glenn didn’t name Jets’ starting QB for Week 8.

— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) October 19, 2025

Fields getting benched was not an unexpected event. There were already concerns about Fields a week ago after the Broncos’ loss in London, and the decision in the middle of the Week 7 game against the Panthers was justified by Fields’ play.

The Jets $40 million quarterback had six completions on 12 passing attempts for just 46 yards while being sacked three times for 21 yards lost. He did tack on 22 rushing yards, but overall, Fields wasn’t effective for the Jets offense once again.

Taylor, in his place, went 10 of 22 for 126 yards, though he did throw two interceptions. While the offense was able to move the ball more consistently, the cost came in the form of two turnovers.

More: Jets’ Aaron Glenn shares two-word message on Breece Hall trade rumors

The Jets’ offense is in a tricky spot, with Fields being too conservative and severely limiting the offense, and Taylor turning the ball over too much while generating more yardage.

Glenn’s decision to bench Fields came after a few brutal weeks, and while Taylor didn’t perform well in relief, the Jets now have a decision to make ahead of their Week 8 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.

New York is 0-7 and is still looking for their first win. They’ll have one more try before their Week 9 bye to get a win, and the quarterback leading the offense isn’t known yet.

Fields could be benched for Taylor during the week, giving Taylor the keys to the offense as a starter for the second time this season. His first start, he threw for 197 yards and two touchdowns and an interception in a thrilling 29-27 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Now, with a good look at both quarterbacks in the loss to the Panthers, Glenn and the Jets will have a decision to make as they prepare for a trip to Cincinnati for their eighth game of the year in what could feature a new starting quarterback for the Jets.