Let’s be real, the Justin Fields and Aaron Glenn combo in the New York Jets hasn’t exactly set the stage on fire. Expectations are already low from the Jets, and it became worse after Sunday’s 37-22 loss to the Dallas Cowboys.

But what we are seeing is a tale of two halves…and it sure is not in a good way. In the first half, Justin Fields just can’t seem to find the rhythm. After 5 weeks, out of 40 qualifying quarterbacks in the first half, Fields ranks 37th in accuracy, 26th in the EPA per attempt, and 23rd in yards per attempt with only 1 touchdown.

While Fields’ struggles are visibly frustrating in the first half, there’s a flip of the script in the second half. (2.3 per run). This even compelled HC Aaron Glenn to finally address the issue. “I do think we get into a situation where we start to get in a groove and that’s any quarterback. Justin has been getting in a groove in those situations. I have no issues with where we’re at in the passing game,” Glenn reacted to Fields’ inflated stats late in the game.

Well, the first half does act as kryptonite on Justin Fields, but the sun shines bright on him in the second one. He is like a different quarterback late in the game. 2nd in accuracy, 13th in EPA per attempt, 19th in yards per attempt, 11th in completion rate, and 17th in sack rate with 6 touchdowns. That’s the saga for the 26-year-old. This is the reason why his stats don’t look terrible on paper, and that is what Glenn was hinting.

The impressive second halves do look good on paper, but the poor first halves are certainly sinking the team’s chances. The Jets are 0-5 and are running out of time. They will be taking on the gridiron against the Broncos‘ blitz with a depleted lineup, as cornerback Michael Carter and wide receiver Allen Lazard are most likely to sit back on Sunday.

Jets’ struggles increase week by week

Just when the Jets were healing from a 0-5 lackluster start, an offensive blow hit them. According to NFL insider Mike Garafolo, Aaron Glenn will be missing Michael Carter and Allen Lazard in week 6 against Denver. The Broncos (3-2) are flying high after a close win over the reigning Super Bowl champs, the Philadelphia Eagles. The Broncos are advancing in the league because of Sean Payton’s defense, anchored by reigning defensive player of the year CB Patrick Surtain II and NFL sack leader DE Nik Bonitto. With key offensive players out, the Jets might face another heartbreaking loss.

“I’d be damned if I didn’t give credit to the whole D-line today,” Bonitto said after last week’s win. “The way we were rushing today, keeping [QB Jalen Hurts] in the pocket, making him uncomfortable… We’ll look to carry this through the rest of the season.” The Broncos’ defensive identity is clear: tight-man coverage with a harsh push rush. Through the five games, Denver managed man coverage on 57% of snaps (highest in the NFL) and piled up 21 sacks, also the highest in the league.

Statistically, the Broncos’ defense has been dominant, allowing 16.8 points per game (2nd lowest), 200.2 passing yards per game (8th lowest), and 88.2 rushing yards per game (5th lowest). Also, the unit isn’t shy about its goals. Team captain LB Alex Singleton proudly says that they are chasing greatness. “It’s one of those things where we tell ourselves, ‘Let’s be better than the Broncos 2015 Super Bowl defense,” Singleton said. “We are chasing all-time defenses like that.”

Though the Jets’ front desk stands firmly behind Aaron Glenn, but the disappointment is profound. Fields, who has managed to retain his stat sheet with his late-game heroics, has to keep the scoreboard running and will have to take a convincing lead in the first half, an area where the Jets have struggled in the past.

Reminding you, no team has made it to the playoffs after a 0-5 start, but as Justin Fields states, “There’s a first time for everything.”