New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields has dismissed criticism from team owner Woody Johnson regarding his performance, stating that he does not plan to seek a conversation to address the remarks and remains focused on improving his play. Fields emphasized that external opinions will not affect his confidence as the team navigates a challenging winless start to the season.
On Wednesday, Fields spoke to reporters after practice in Florham Park, New Jersey, responding to Johnson’s comments made a day earlier at the NFL fall meeting. The owner had publicly blamed Fields for the Jets’ 0-7 record, pointing to the quarterback’s low passer rating and struggles in completing passes. Fields revealed that he was unaware of the criticism until informed by the media, and he expressed no desire to discuss it directly with Johnson, doubting that such a conversation would occur.
Johnson’s unsolicited remarks highlighted the offensive issues, as he said, “It’s hard when you have a quarterback with a rating that he’s got. I mean, he has ability, but something just is not jiving.” He added, “If we can just complete a pass, it would look good,” underscoring the frustration with the team’s performance. This public criticism from ownership is rare and adds another layer of drama to the Jets’ tumultuous season.
Fields, who joined the Jets in a recent trade, has been underperforming, with statistics reflecting his difficulties on the field. He is under contract through 2026, but his $10 million guaranteed salary for next year could make a trade complicated. Coach Aaron Glenn has not named a starter for the upcoming game against the Cincinnati Bengals, suggesting that Tyrod Taylor might take over the quarterback position.
The uncertainty around the starting role was addressed by Glenn, who stated that he wants to keep the Bengals guessing to gain a competitive advantage. Fields acknowledged the possibility of being benched but stressed that his focus is on the immediate game preparation. He declined to engage in hypothetical questions about his future, saying, “I don’t like answering those questions, those what-if questions,” as it could distract the team.
Fields described his relationship with Johnson as minimal, noting that they only met for the first time before a recent game and typically have brief interactions. He insisted that the criticism does not bother him, understanding that quarterbacks often shoulder blame for team outcomes. “Everybody knows I need to play better and we need to play better as a team,” Fields said, accepting the responsibilities of his role.
Despite the pressure, Fields maintained a resilient mindset, emphasizing the importance of self-belief in tough times. He stated that there are moments when “you have to be the only one who believes in yourself,” and he is determined not to let external factors, including comments from ownership, family, or teammates, impact his performance. This attitude reflects his approach to handling the intense scrutiny that comes with being an NFL quarterback.
The Jets’ ongoing struggles and the public criticism from ownership create a high-pressure environment as the team prepares for its next game. Fields’ ability to respond on the field will be crucial for his future with the team and for the Jets’ chances of turning their season around. The situation highlights the broader challenges in the NFL, where quarterback performance is closely tied to team success and organizational stability.