Usually, when an NFL team loses its starting QB and has to play its backup, it’s a big problem.
So often, there is a big drop-off to the backup, and in a QB-driven league, that is a big problem.
Let’s be honest, many NFL teams are struggling to find quality starting quarterbacks due to a shortage of elite players at that position, so it stands to reason that there is a shortage of high-quality backups.
But if the Jets have to play their backup, Tyrod Taylor, this week, in Tampa Bay, in place of Justin Fields, who is in concussion protocol, there will likely not be a drop-off.
That isn’t meant as a shot at Fields – just the reality of the situation.
Fields is 14-32 as an NFL starter, and Taylor is 28-28-1.
Fields didn’t beat out Taylor this offseason in a QB competition. There was no competition.
So this is one of those rare situations where a backup QB might be forced into action, and the team won’t be taking a step back.
I have no issue with anything Fields has done since joining the Jets in camp, the preseason, or the first two games. It’s similar film to his first four years in the league – he’s like a baseball slugger who hits home runs (big running and passing plays), but also strikes out quite a bit (inconsistent accuracy).
He is who he is. If you have an issue with his play, don’t blame him. He gives you all he’s got. The film hasn’t changed.
But the bottom line is, if the Jets have to go from Fields to Taylor this week, it likely won’t be the typical problematic scenario you often see going from a #1 to #2 QB.
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