The New York Jets’ season took another significant turn on Sunday, and it might just be a breaking point. When Aaron Glenn decided to send Tyrod Taylor out for the second half, it wasn’t merely a change at quarterback; it was a clear message. A signal that patience had run out for Justin Fields and an offense that could no longer function. Yet, Glenn insists that his message hasn’t changed.

At the time, the Jets were trailing 10-3 against the Carolina Panthers when Glenn made the call to bench Fields. After the game, Glenn stood by his decision but also addressed the deeper question: had he lost his locker room? “I don’t see that because the message has always been consistent,” Glenn said. “They know exactly what it is and what we have to do… these players are not giving up at all.” He emphasized that practices remain sharp, effort remains high, and belief still exists despite the results.

This decision followed yet another lackluster performance, with Fields completing just 6 of 12 passes for 46 yards, adding 22 rushing yards, and showing no signs of rhythm. He seemed lost out there. Taylor, while not perfect, at least brought some stability to the offense, making it look more like an NFL unit. The Jets ultimately lost 13-6, but the difference was evident.

Glenn also took responsibility for the situation. “We just have to do what we have to do to win these games,” he acknowledged. “We need some guys to go make some plays… and me as the head coach, I gotta do a better job of getting everybody in position.” He praised the defense’s improvements and the special teams’ reliability, but made it clear that the offense needs to find its spark soon.

The Jets found some early success on the ground, rushing for 72 net yards in the first half. However, a 13-3 halftime deficit forced quarterback Tyrod Taylor to air it out in the second half, attempting 22 passes as the offense shifted away from the run. The adjustment came at a cost; the Jets managed just 9 rushing yards over the final two quarters, stalling any hopes of a balanced attack.

For now, that spark likely means more Tyrod Taylor. Glenn didn’t commit to Fields returning in Week 8, and few are expecting it. The fifth-year quarterback needs a reset, while the Jets are in desperate need of stability. Glenn’s message remains steadfast, focusing on belief, accountability, and urgency. But how long can belief last without tangible results?

Glenn’s Jets hit rock bottom 

The New York Jets are running out of options and, unfortunately, touchdowns too. Their defeat against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday pushed them to a dismal 0-7, marking yet another week where their defensive effort was overshadowed by offensive turmoil.

At halftime, Aaron Glenn made a bold decision, benching Justin Fields after yet another uninspired showing. This change came on the heels of two games where the offense managed a mere 11 points in London, followed by just three the week before, and no scores in the first half since Week 1. Tyrod Taylor’s presence at least gave the offense a semblance of functionality.

Earlier in the week, Glenn had backed Fields, encouraging him to “go out there, play quarterback, and do the best that he can.” But the patience wore thin. “We’re not getting the results we want,” Glenn acknowledged after the game, though he still commended his players for their effort and the defensive strides they’ve made.

Once again, the Jets’ defense held its ground. For the second week in a row, they limited their opponent to just 13 points. Jowon Briggs and Jamien Sherwood each recorded a sack, while Brandon Stephens broke up two passes. “We did a hell of a job in the run game,” Stephens noted. But even that strong performance couldn’t compensate for an offense that has come to a complete standstill.

On the offensive line, things fell apart. The Jets allowed six sacks to a Panthers team that had only managed five all season before this game. This followed a rough outing where they gave up nine sacks to Denver and five to Dallas.

With Garrett Wilson sidelined, receivers Tyler Johnson and Josh Reynolds stepped up to try and fill the gap. Johnson led the way with 60 yards, while Reynolds and rookie tight end Mason Taylor contributed slightly. “We still have to finish when we get in the red zone,” Reynolds emphasized.

The message is loud and clear: the defense is putting in the effort, but the offense is dragging the entire team down with it.