The New York Jets are struggling through an 0-7 start, and their recent performances have raised serious questions about the team’s direction.
In Sunday’s disappointing loss to the Carolina Panthers, quarterback Justin Fields was benched at halftime after completing just six of 12 passes for 46 yards.
The 2021 first-round pick has the physical tools that made him the 11th overall selection, but his transition to the NFL has been consistently uneven across multiple stops.
Former defensive end Marcus Spears recently weighed in on Fields’ struggles, suggesting the quarterback may not be ready to lead an NFL offense as a full-time starter.
“Justin Fields is not a starting quarterback in the NFL. He’s not good enough to be a starter,” Spears said on ESPN’s NFL Live.
“Justin Fields is not a starting QB in the NFL.”
—Marcus Spears on Fields being benched against the Panthers
pic.twitter.com/LnEkE3fxXe
— ESPN (@espn) October 20, 2025
While Fields has shown athleticism and delivered occasional big plays, particularly during his standout moments with Pittsburgh last season, Spears argues those glimpses aren’t enough to earn consistent trust from coaching staffs.
His move to New York hasn’t changed that evaluation, as Fields has displayed similar patterns throughout his career.
Despite small improvements in certain areas, the evidence suggests he falls short of the performance level expected from a legitimate starting quarterback in today’s NFL.
Coach Aaron Glenn had maintained faith in Fields even after poor outings like the 45-yard performance in Week 6.
But with the Jets facing their seventh consecutive loss, pressure is mounting to shift the narrative and make significant changes.
Recent reports suggest a quarterback change could be imminent, though Glenn has not confirmed whether Fields or Tyrod Taylor will start against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.
He emphasized the decision requires input from his coaching staff and guidance from peers who have navigated similar quarterback situations.
Glenn insists he wants to make a deliberate choice rather than rushing into a move that could backfire.
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