REUTERS/via SNO Sites/Vincent Carchietta
Oct 19, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields (7) looks to get rid of the ball in the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Following a grueling loss to the Carolina Panthers, the New York Jets remain the only winless team in the NFL at 0-7.
After choosing not to re-sign veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the Jets turned to a younger option in Justin Fields. Rodgers had a difficult, not-quite-two-season run in New York, tearing his Achilles in his first game with the team in 2023. The Jets underperformed in 2024, and Rodgers clearly was not a fit for the struggling franchise. He signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers for one year in a deal worth $13.65 million. Fields was projected to replace him as QB1.
Fields, 26, signed a two-year, $40 million contract with the Jets. With a relatively young roster, New York saw him as a long-term solution. The team didn’t stop there; fans also found a glimmer of hope after re-signing wide receiver Garrett Wilson and cornerback Sauce Gardner.
On Oct. 5, the Jets fell to 0-5 after losing to the Dallas Cowboys. Fields remained optimistic, saying the Jets could make the playoffs, though no team with such a record has ever advanced. “There’s a first time for everything,” Fields said. The Jets have not reached the playoffs since 2010 and have not posted a winning season since 2015.
While the defense has played relatively well, Fields and the offense have struggled. His passing yards per game have declined compared to previous seasons, and he sometimes holds the ball too long. Fans quickly voiced their frustration, urging Coach Aaron Glenn to bench him.
Glenn did not heed their calls and stuck with Fields. The Jets moved the ball into scoring position but settled for two field goals instead of touchdowns, struggling in the red zone. Fields has been sacked multiple times due to inconsistent protection from the offensive line.
The defense has improved as the season has progressed, reducing the points allowed per game and holding Carolina to just 13 points. Still, offensive struggles have made it difficult for the defense to get the credit it deserves.
The Jets will face the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, Oct. 26. Cincinnati is second in the AFC North with a 3-4 record.
Every season is a painful one for Jets fans.