Jets' Justin Fields shares admission about struggles amid calls for QB change
For better or for worse, first-year New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn made it clear on multiple occasions that he will start struggling quarterback Justin Fields when the 0-6 Jets host the Carolina Panthers (3-3) this coming Sunday.
While speaking with reporters on Wednesday, Fields acknowledged he needs to embrace a mindset change if he wants to remain in the starting lineup beyond the afternoon of Oct. 19.
Will Justin Fields be more "aggressive" vs. Panthers?
"I feel like I've been a little bit too conservative in a sense," Fields explained, per Rich Cimini of ESPN. "Probably just [need to] be a little bit more aggressive. I've always just been big on ball security and not putting the ball in jeopardy, but it comes to a point where you just have to find that healthy balance between trying to maybe fit it in smaller windows and just letting it rip."
Fields likely has little to lose in "letting it rip," as any hope that the 26-year-old would show drastic improvements as a passer this fall has all but evaporated before Halloween. ESPN stats show that Fields began Wednesday ranked 29th out of 33 qualified players with a 36.5 adjusted QBR on the season. While he tossed no interceptions over his first five games with Gang Green, he tallied only seven total touchdowns (four passing, three rushing) across those outings. Meanwhile, the Jets ended Week 6 ranked 25th in the league with an average of 20.5 points scored per game.
What is Justin Fields struggling with as Jets QB?
Fields passed for 45 yards and took nine sacks in the Jets' 13-11 loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 6. Following that performance, Hall of Famer Kurt Warner spoke with Brian Costello of the New York Post (h/t NJ Advance Media for NJ.com) about why Fields continues to look like the below-average passer he was with the Chicago Bears from 2021-23.
"You see moments, but the biggest thing is he just hasn’t gotten acclimated to the speed of processing at the NFL level, in my opinion. That always hurts him when he’s got to play in the pocket consistently," Warner said about Fields.
As of Thursday morning, ESPN BET had the Jets as 1.5-point underdogs against the Panthers. The MetLife Stadium crowd will almost certainly make their unhappiness known if the Jets fail to tally an offensive touchdown early in the Week 7 contest. How Fields handles such reactions could determine whether or not he ends the game as the Jets QB1.
Colts HC Shane Steichen to make final decision on QB situation behind Daniel Jones
The Indianapolis Colts are rolling at 5-1, but quarterback depth has become a major storyline heading into Week 7. With Anthony Richardson on injured reserve, head coach Shane Steichen will decide who backs up Daniel Jones — either rookie Riley Leonard or veteran Brett Rypien.
The Athletic’s James Boyd took to X (formerly known as Twitter), reporting that a team source confirmed Steichen will make the call after evaluating both options in practice this week.
“Source said #Colts HC Shane Steichen will have the final say of who is QB2 between Riley Leonard and Brett Rypien.
We can also ask Steichen before practice tomorrow (and again Friday after Rypien has practiced the whole week).”
Leonard, a sixth-round rookie from Notre Dame, has been with the Colts all season and has taken most backup reps since Richardson’s eye injury. Meanwhile, Rypien signed to the practice squad on October 14 and brings veteran experience from stints with the Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Rams, and Seattle Seahawks.
The decision carries weight. Jones has completely revived his career under Steichen, leading the AFC’s top scoring offense. But should he miss time, the Colts must trust the next man up to keep their momentum going.
Steichen’s evaluation extends beyond game readiness — it’s also about locker room confidence and long-term continuity. Coaches and teammates alike have praised both quarterbacks for their preparation, making the final decision a reflection of who best aligns with the Colts’ offensive identity.
Leonard offers upside and youth, while Rypien brings system familiarity and game experience. The choice by the Colts coach will reveal whether he values development or veteran security as the team pushes for a playoff run.
Steichen is expected to speak before and after practice later this week, with a final depth chart decision coming no later than Friday. Until then, the quarterback room remains under review.
