Here's what to know about the Jets' change and what it means moving forward.
Why did Justin Fields get benched? Jets switch to Tyrod Taylor as offense sputters vs. Panthers originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The New York Jets are in search of their first win of the season, and they're willing to do whatever it takes to get one.
In Week 7 against the Carolina Panthers, it meant a change at quarterback.
As New York took the field for its first offensive possession of the third quarter, veteran QB Tyrod Taylor made his way to the field to lead its offense. Taylor came in to spell Justin Fields, who, in his first season as the Jets QB1, has experienced highs and lows.
Here's what to know about the Jets' change and what it means moving forward.
MORE NFL WEEK 7:
Why was Justin Fields benched?
It's been a rough two weeks for Fields and the Jets' offense, and Sunday's halftime change was a product of those issues reaching a head.
In Week 6, Fields threw for just 45 yards, and the offense produced nine points in a 13-11 loss to the Denver Broncos. With that performance fresh on the minds of the Jets contingent at MetLife Stadium, boos rained over the home team as the offense again struggled against Carolina.
Fields was 6-of-12 for 46 yards in the first half of Week 7, but New York scored just three points in the first half.
In need of a jolt, first-year head coach Aaron Glenn pivoted to Taylor, who first briefly entered the game in the first half while Fields was taken to the medical tent. Taylor, 36, is in his second season with the Jets, the seventh NFL franchise of his career.
The QB switch brought about more of the same for the Jets, as they scored just three points in the second half, falling to 0-7 on the season with their 13-6 loss to the Panthers.
Postgame, Glenn said he will be having internal conversations about who the Jets will roll with at QB moving forward.
"I make the call. There are a lot of conversations I have to have with myself"
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) October 19, 2025
Aaron Glenn on what the decision making process will be for who will start at quarterback next week: pic.twitter.com/OixdrRBoh3
Fields was asked if the benching was warranted, to which he said, "It's not my decision. I'm here to be the best teammate I can be."
"It's not my decision. I'm here to be the best teammate I can be. I'm here to be the best person I can be."
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) October 19, 2025
Justin Fields was asked if he felt his benching was warranted: pic.twitter.com/L6vdtcjg9Z
Justin Fields stats
- Completions/Attempts: 6/12
- Passing yards: 46
- Yards/Attempt: 3.8
- Touchdowns: 0
- Interceptions: 0
- Fumbles: 0
- Sacks: 3 (21 yards)
Fields' performance was turnover-free, but it did very little in the way of inspiring confidence in the Jets' offensive capabilities.
New York was unable to wear away at the Carolina defense, and Fields' paltry 3.8 yards per pass attempt drew the ire of Jets fans. That was enough to lead to a change, which was met with a warm reception.
Tyrod Taylor stats
- Completions/Attempts: 10/22
- Passing yards: 126
- Yards/Attempt: 5.7
- Touchdowns: 0
- Interceptions: 2
- Fumbles: 0
- Sacks: 3 (12 yards)
Taylor took more risks downfield, but it resulted in a few turnovers. He was picked off twice by Panthers CB Jaycee Horn and also failed to get New York's offense into the end zone.
The lone scoring drive with Taylor under center was a field goal to make it a one-possession game late.
Category: Football
