New York Jets owner Woody Johnson has pointed a definitive finger at the team’s quarterback play as the primary culprit for their abysmal 0-7 start, all while steadfastly defending first-year head coach Aaron Glenn. This firm stance comes as the Jets remain the NFL’s sole winless team, grappling with an offense that can’t find its rhythm and a fan base desperate for answers.
In his first public comments since the offseason, New York Jets owner Woody Johnson delivered a clear assessment of his team’s disastrous 0-7 start. Speaking at the NFL’s annual fall owners meeting on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, Johnson unequivocally placed the blame for the team’s struggles on inconsistent quarterback play, while simultaneously offering a strong endorsement of rookie head coach Aaron Glenn.
“The defense is pretty good. If we can just complete a pass, it would look good,” Johnson stated, highlighting the stark contrast between the team’s defensive performance and its anemic offense. The Jets currently hold the unenviable position of being last in the league in passing offense and are the only team without a win this season.
Glenn’s Job Security Affirmed Amidst Offensive Woes
Despite the winless record, Johnson expressed unwavering confidence in Aaron Glenn, a coach he has known and admired since 1996. He praised Glenn’s handling of the defense and his leadership style. “I do believe in Aaron,” Johnson said, adding, “If I were a player, I would respond to him because he’s the real deal. No BS, there’s no second agendas — what you’re hearing is the truth.”
This vote of confidence extends beyond Glenn, with Johnson also affirming his belief in the decision to hire Darren Mougey as General Manager. This unified front from ownership and management suggests stability in the coaching staff, even as the team navigates a historically poor start.
The Quarterback Conundrum: Fields Benched, Taylor Steps In
The owner’s criticism of quarterback play comes after a tumultuous period under center. Justin Fields, who started six games and missed one due to injury, was benched during the second half of Sunday’s Week 7 loss to the Carolina Panthers. Backup Tyrod Taylor took over, but the results remained the same in a 13-6 defeat.
Johnson elaborated on Fields’ struggles, stating, “(Fields) has the ability, but something just is not jiving. The offense is just not clicking. And you can’t run the ball if you can’t pass the ball. That’s Football 101.” Fields has completed 63.7 percent of his passes for 845 yards with four touchdowns and zero interceptions in his six starts, but has often appeared rattled, missing crucial throws.
While Tyrod Taylor is known for his efficiency, he too had issues against Carolina, reportedly underthrowing several open receivers and tossing two interceptions. When asked about who should start moving forward, Johnson firmly stated, “That’s completely up to the coach. I’m not going to be involved at all in any of that. This is what they’re paid to do, and this is what they’re experts at doing and so they’ll make the right decision — with what we’ve got.” The coaching staff has yet to announce a Week 8 starter.
Echoes of the Past: The Rodgers Decision and Future Hope
The current quarterback woes inevitably draw comparisons to the team’s decision to move on from Aaron Rodgers after a 5-12 season in 2024. Rodgers, now with Pittsburgh, has led his new team to a 4-2 record, throwing for 14 touchdowns and five interceptions, placing them atop the AFC Central. Despite this, Johnson maintains his forward-looking philosophy.
“I never look back,” Johnson said regarding the Rodgers departure. “You have to look forward in football. When you cut players, they could be a Hall of Famer. You just never know. But Aaron’s playing great now. He’s in a situation that’s working for him.” This highlights the often harsh realities of NFL roster management and the constant search for the right fit.
The Jets are in the midst of the longest active playoff drought in the NFL, having not qualified for the postseason since 2010. This 0-7 start marks the third time in franchise history the team has begun a season with such a dismal record, echoing the 2020 and 1996 campaigns.
A Message to the “Smartest Fans in the World”
Amidst the turmoil, Johnson expressed a unique blend of realism and enduring optimism. “Well, the record speaks for itself, but I don’t go to any game thinking I’m going to lose,” he commented. He acknowledged the frustration but also shared his own perspective: “I see what you see. But I see more hope than you do. You can’t win with hope. It helps.”
He offered a direct message to the loyal Jets faithful, whom he lauded as “the smartest fans in the world.” Johnson believes these long-suffering fans understand the team’s predicament deeply. “They’ve been at it for a long time, so they know exactly what’s going on,” he said, indicating a shared recognition of the challenges. The search for a franchise signal-caller continues, and the owner’s comments underscore that this elusive piece is still not on the current roster.
What This Means for the Jets Moving Forward
Woody Johnson’s public comments serve as a critical inflection point for the New York Jets season. Here are the key takeaways for fans and analysts:
- Accountability for Quarterbacks: The ownership’s clear blame on QB performance puts immense pressure on both Justin Fields and Tyrod Taylor, and any future quarterbacks, to elevate their play or face further changes. For a deeper dive into the QB struggles, see this AP News analysis.
- Support for Coaching Staff: Coach Aaron Glenn’s job appears safe for the foreseeable future, as does GM Darren Mougey’s, giving them time to try and right the ship. Johnson’s confidence in their hiring decisions was explicit, as reported by the Associated Press.
- Long-Term QB Search Continues: Regardless of who starts in Week 8, Johnson’s comments implicitly confirm that the franchise quarterback the Jets have sought for decades is not currently delivering at the expected level. This suggests that the team will likely target a new signal-caller in the upcoming offseason.
- Fan Patience Tested: While Johnson expresses hope, the fans’ patience is undoubtedly wearing thin after years of disappointment and the NFL’s longest active playoff drought.
The road ahead for the Jets remains challenging, but Johnson’s address provides a rare glimpse into the ownership’s perspective and the strategic direction they intend to maintain, at least for now.
