Jets coach Aaron Glenn announced today that Tyrod Taylor will start in Tampa Bay for Justin Fields, who is in concussion protocol.
Some wondered why Glenn wouldn’t wait until later in the week to decide and make the Buccaneers prepare for both quarterbacks.
First of all, he’s very close to Buc’s coach, Todd Bowles, so why jerk around a friend and mentor like that?
Secondly, Fields is a young QB who needs a full week of reps to start? This isn’t a 10-12-year vet who could get cleared on Friday and be ready to roll on Sunday, with no practice reps. He needs the reps, especially since this is his first year in Tanner Engstrand’s offense.
Thirdly, the Jets need a win this week, after starting 0-2, and Taylor, who is 28-28-1 as an NFL starter, perhaps gives them a better chance to win in Tampa Bay, compared to Fields, who is 14-32. Bowles runs a blitz-heavy defense, and Fields tends to hold on to the ball too long at times. Taylor gets rid of the ball faster.
So naming Fields the starter today, letting the locker room know that the savvy vet is going to lead them this week, right out the gate, was the way to go.
There was no need for gamesmanship this week.
Just make the announcement and get it over with.
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