At the outset of the NFL league meetings in New York, New York Jets owner Woody Johnson made his first public remarks regarding the struggles of his team, which remains the league’s only winless squad with an 0-7 record. Despite the dire season start, Johnson expressed a surprising level of optimism that contrasts with the widespread frustration surrounding the Jets. Speaking candidly to reporters, he acknowledged the challenges but emphasized that he sees signs of promise, particularly on defense and special teams, under the leadership of first-year head coach Aaron Glenn.
“I see what you see, but I see more hope than you do,” Johnson said, acknowledging the team’s difficulties but maintaining a hopeful outlook. “You can't win with hope, but it helps.” Johnson’s remarks reflect a belief that while hope alone won’t translate into immediate wins, it forms a foundation for eventual progress. This perspective is notable given the Jets’ historically poor start under Glenn, who is the first coach in franchise history to begin a season 0-7. Moreover, Glenn is the first NFL first-year head coach in six years to start with such a record, underscoring the magnitude of the challenge he faces.
Aaron Glenn, a former Jets first-round draft pick in 1994, was brought in to end the longest active playoff drought in the NFL. Unfortunately for the Jets and their fans, barring a historic turnaround, the team will not reach the postseason in 2025 either. Yet Johnson’s personal support for Glenn is unwavering. The owner revealed that he hugs Glenn every day and encourages him to “keep the faith,” highlighting a close and supportive relationship amidst adversity.
Insiders close to the Jets have indicated to CBS Sports that firing Glenn during his first year is highly unlikely, if not out of the question. While Johnson was not directly asked to guarantee Glenn’s tenure beyond the current season, it was clear from his comments that he has significant confidence in the coach’s abilities and leadership. “I do believe in Aaron,” Johnson said. “If I were a player I’d respond to him, because he’s the real deal.” This endorsement suggests that the Jets’ front office sees Glenn as a long-term figure in their rebuilding efforts, even if immediate results have been disappointing.
However, Johnson’s optimism does not extend to quarterback Justin Fields, the team’s offseason acquisition who has struggled to meet expectations. Signed to a two-year deal, Fields has been underwhelming, performing among the league’s poorest starting quarterbacks this season. Johnson candidly commented on the Jets’ offensive woes, noting, “If we could complete a pass, it would look good.” This statement highlights the team’s inability to sustain effective offensive drives, contributing to their winless record.
Statistically, Fields has completed nearly 64% of his passes and has yet to throw an interception, which superficially appears respectable. However, his overly conservative style of play has resulted in 22 sacks, the second-most in the NFL, and an expected points added (EPA) per dropback of negative 0.09, tied for 28th in the league. This metric measures the impact of a quarterback’s decisions on scoring potential, and Fields’ low ranking signals inefficiency and missed opportunities.
Johnson acknowledged the difficulty of Fields’ situation, pointing out that the quarterback “has the ability but something is just not [jibing].” He stressed that a coach’s success is closely linked to consistent quarterback play, and with Fields struggling to perform at a high level, the Jets’ problems are compounded. “If you look at any head coach with a quarterback like that you’re going to see similar results,” Johnson said, emphasizing the intrinsic connection between quarterback effectiveness and team success.
When compared to other starters, Fields’ negative EPA per dropback is shared with Bryce Young of the Carolina Panthers, who has managed a 4-3 record this season, suggesting that even other struggling quarterbacks can sometimes guide their teams to wins. Only Geno Smith, Joe Flacco, and Cam Ward have recorded worse EPA per dropback figures among regular starters, underscoring just how challenging Fields’ performance has been.
The quarterback situation places the Jets at a crossroads. Following a disappointing 13-6 home loss to the Carolina Panthers, head coach Aaron Glenn declined to confirm Fields as the clear starter moving forward. On Monday, Glenn indicated he was still evaluating his options and studying how other teams have managed quarterback changes midseason. Typically, a coach’s refusal to commit to