Aaron Glenn’s revealing answer finally leaves door open for Jets QB change
The New York Jets have reached a breaking point at quarterback, and for the first time in a few weeks, Aaron Glenn finally sounded like a head coach who knows it.
Thursday night’s 27–14 loss to the Patriots wasn’t Justin Fields’ worst outing of the year, but that's not saying much. Fields finished 15-of-26 for 116 yards and a touchdown, added 67 yards and a rushing score, and still left the Jets’ passing game completely unplayable.
A critical fourth-quarter fumbled snap sealed the game and served as the latest example of a quarterback who simply cannot run a functional NFL offense right now.
The frustration has been simmering for weeks, but Glenn's comments on Friday felt a little different. Glenn didn’t dodge the quarterback questions. He didn’t get combative with reporters. He didn’t shut anything down. Instead, he genuinely entertained the possibility of a quarterback change
Glenn told reporters that he would be "evaluating everything" when asked about Fields and the quarterback situation. And with that one line, the door to a quarterback change swung wide open.
Aaron Glenn seems to be considering benching Justin Fields
Fields has statistically been the least efficient starting quarterback in the NFL. He owns the league’s worst EPA/play outside of garbage time (-0.210) and has thrown for under 60 yards in four of his nine starts. The Jets have had six first halves with fewer than 100 total yards, twice as many as any other team.
Arguably the most damning number is that Fields actually has the seventh-highest "Wide Open Rate" in the NFL. Jets receivers are getting open — consistently. The offensive staff is doing its job. Fields simply isn’t.
Tanner Engstrand’s work makes this even clearer. The Jets rushed for 140 yards and averaged 5.0 yards per carry against the best run defense in football on Thursday night. Teams just don’t respect the Jets’ passing game at all.
Breece Hall has faced a stacked box on 49.3% of his carries this season, one of the highest rates in the NFL. And yet Hall is still averaging 4.1 yards per carry against stacked fronts, thanks in large part to an offensive line that ranks top five in yards before contact (2.5) on those plays.
The running game shouldn't be working. The receivers aren’t good enough. The passing game is nonexistent. And somehow, Engstrand still schemes open windows every week. Fields just can’t hit them.
Glenn was surprisingly honest on Friday, acknowledging this very issue. “We have to do a better job in the passing game,” Glenn said. “There were some open guys that we missed.”
That’s as close as Glenn has come to stating the obvious without saying it. It's time for a quarterback change.
Tyrod Taylor is the next man up if the Jets do make a move. He was already expected to start earlier this year before a knee injury sidelined him ahead of the team's Week 8 game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Since that game, Fields has reverted right back to the version of himself that nearly played himself out of a job earlier in the year.
Taylor won’t be a savior, but he should offer basic NFL functionality, which is something the Jets simply haven’t had for most of the season.
Whether Glenn follows through on his words remains to be seen. But after a season’s worth of dodging, dismissing, and stonewalling, the Jets’ head coach finally left the door open.
And at this point, it’s the only door left.
Anthony Cirelli’s Commitment to Pediatric Cancer: A Champion On and Off the Ice
Anthony Cirelli, a standout center for the Tampa Bay Lightning, is known for his grit, determination, and clutch performances on the ice. But beyond the rink, Cirelli has quietly built a reputation as a compassionate and committed advocate for pediatric cancer patients. His recent involvement in fundraising efforts for the Stronach Regional Cancer Centre in Ontario highlights his dedication to making a difference in the lives of children battling cancer.
In September 2023, Cirelli partnered with fellow NHL player Morgan Rielly and Mercedes-Benz Newmarket to donate $50,000 to Southlake’s “HERE is Where Cancer Meets Its Match” campaign. This initiative aims to expand the cancer center’s capacity and bring cutting-edge technology to the region, including the first-ever PET-CT scanner in York Region. The donation will also help fund a fifth Linear Accelerator, enabling the center to administer over 7,000 additional radiation treatments annually—a game-changer for pediatric and adult cancer care alike.
Cirelli’s involvement went beyond a simple donation. He actively participated in the Mercedes Trophy Golf Tournament, where fans and supporters raised additional funds through live and silent auctions. One of the most memorable auction items was a unique experience: a trip to Tampa to watch a Maple Leafs vs. Lightning game, complete with a behind-the-scenes visit to the Lightning dressing room and a meet-and-greet with Cirelli himself. This personal touch not only boosted fundraising efforts but also underscored Cirelli’s genuine commitment to the cause.
What makes Cirelli’s contribution particularly impactful is his focus on pediatric cancer. Childhood cancer remains one of the leading causes of non-accidental death in children, and access to advanced treatment is often limited. By supporting Southlake’s campaign, Cirelli is helping ensure that young patients receive timely, state-of-the-art care close to home. His efforts reflect a broader understanding of the emotional and financial toll pediatric cancer takes on families—and his desire to ease that burden.
Cirelli’s charitable work is a testament to the power of athletes using their platforms for good. While his on-ice achievements have earned him accolades and admiration, it’s his off-ice humility and generosity that truly define his character. In a sport where toughness is celebrated, Cirelli shows that true strength lies in compassion and service.
As the Lightning continue their pursuit of another Stanley Cup, fans can take pride not only in their team’s performance but also in the integrity of players like Anthony Cirelli. His dedication to pediatric cancer advocacy serves as a reminder that heroes aren’t just found in highlight reels—they’re also found in hospital wards, fundraising events, and the quiet moments where someone chooses to make a difference.
