New York Jets owner Woody Johnson outlined modest ambitions for his losing team, backing his head coach Aaron Glenn.
The Jets are 0-7 this season and have been terrible in almost every aspect. Speaking about the team's performance on Tuesday, Johnson said: “If we can just pass the ball, it'll look good.”
However, he was quick to praise Glenn, who is in his first season as a player. NFL head coach. “I believe in Aaron,” Johnson said. “I've known Aaron since 1996. [when] I was a fan. I've always been a fan of his. I can see how he controls the room. If I were a player, I would answer him because he is a real player. No nonsense. No second agendas. What you hear is true, and often players don't understand the truth. They get a lot of gibberish.
Johnson was more blunt in his assessment of the team's struggling quarterback Justin Fields, who was given a two-year, $40 million contract this offseason. In six games this season, Fields has thrown just four touchdowns, and his QBR of 31.8 ranks him 31st among 33 eligible quarterbacks. Some reports say the Jets will bench Fields in favor of 36-year-old journeyman Tyrod Taylor, who has been underwhelming this season.
“It's hard when you have a rated defenseman who [Fields] “He's got it,” Johnson said. “I mean, he's got the ability, but something's wrong.” [working] … You need to play consistently in this position, and that’s what we’ll try to do for the rest of the season.”
Despite the Jets' offensive struggles, Johnson says he doesn't regret the team's decision to cut Aaron Rodgers this offseason. Since then, Rodgers has led the Pittsburgh Steelers to the top of the AFC North standings with a 4–2 record.
“I never look back,” Johnson said. “You have to look forward to football. Even when you cut players, they could end up in the Hall of Fame. You never know. But Aaron is playing great right now. He's in a situation that's working for him.”
While the Jets have gone through a variety of head coaches and starting quarterbacks in recent seasons, one constant, outside of his stint as ambassador to the United Kingdom during Donald Trump's first term, has been Johnson. The Jets have missed the playoffs every season since 2011, the longest drought in the NFL.
