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Aaron Glenn Assigns Blame for Jets’ 0-4 Start After Giving Verdict on Justin Fields

Aaron Glenn Assigns Blame for Jets’ 0-4 Start After Giving Verdict on Justin Fields

After Monday night’s road loss to AFC East rival Miami, the New York Jets fell to 0-4 under first-year head coach Aaron Glenn. Frustrated by a sloppy showing that included three turnovers, 13 penalties for 101 yards, and no defensive takeaways, Glenn delivered a heated locker room speech that carried into the nearby media room.
The loss marked the first time New York has started a season 0-4 since 2020, when they finished 2-14 and parted ways with Adam Gase. A tweet on X captured Glenn’s tempered but candid remarks: “I’m disappointed but there are some encouraging things that happened in that game.” He pointed to the way Justin Fields played and the running game, but emphasized that turnovers, both giveaways and a lack of takeaways, were the biggest reason for the loss.
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New York’s problems started early. Running back Braelon Allen fumbled at the goal line on the opening drive after an 82-yard march, followed by a fumble from Fields on the next possession. Isaiah Williams then lost a fumble on the opening kickoff of the second half, which Miami converted into a touchdown six plays later. Ironically, the Jets out-gained the Dolphins in total yardage, 404 to 300, but undisciplined play kept them from winning.
Fields put up efficient numbers despite the rough game, 20-of-27 for 226 yards and a touchdown. But most of them came in the fourth quarter. He finished with a 111.0 passer rating, a 74.1% completion rate, 226 passing yards, and a 43-yard rushing touchdown. Most of New York’s big plays, however, came while playing from behind in the second half.
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The Jets entered the night 0-3, following a one-score loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, a 30-10 home defeat to the Buffalo Bills, and a last-second setback in Tampa Bay. Against Miami, turnovers directly led to 14 points for the Dolphins. Notably, Miami had not forced a single turnover prior to this matchup.
Through four games, New York ranks 19th in points per game (22.5) and 21st in total yards (304.8), while their defense sits 20th in total yards allowed (330.3 per game) and is tied for 28th in points allowed (30.0).
Glenn made it clear that Fields is not to blame for the team’s struggles. The quarterback, who signed a two-year deal this offseason to serve as New York’s bridge following Aaron Rodgers’ departure, showed moments of efficiency and playmaking. “I thought he did some really good things,” Glenn said. He urged patience and noted that film study would shed more light on what went wrong.
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Aaron Glenn highlights bright spots amid Jets’ early struggles
Glenn pointed out the team’s inability to execute, a persistent issue he vowed to correct when he took over. Monday night’s nine offensive penalties tied for the second-most in a game for the franchise over the last 25 years, five of which occurred before the snap. Running the ball was a bright spot at times, with New York totaling 197 yards on the ground, including 81 from Fields’ scrambling.
NFL, American Football Herren, USA New York Jets-Head Coach Aaron Glenn Introductory press conference, PK, Pressekonferenz Jan 27, 2025 Florham Park, NJ, USA New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn answers questions during his introductory press conference at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Florham Park Atlantic Health Jets Training Center NJ USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xJohnxJonesx 20250127_jla_ja1_054
However, Fields remains committed to the team despite the poor start. “It’s very frustrating but I’m not losing faith,” Fields said. “Nobody in the locker room is losing faith. All we’re going to do keep is keep our heads down and work.”
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Aaron Glenn, formerly the Lions’ defensive coordinator, was brought in to change the culture of a team that finished 5-12 under Robert Saleh last season. While the Jets’ struggles are evident, Glenn insisted he remains confident in his approach. “My confidence is not going to wane, not one bit,” he said. “We’re not going to waver on the things we’ve been talking about, how we got to win games. We just have to do a better job executing.”
Even as the Jets continue to struggle, Fields’ late-game heroics and the running game’s flashes provide at least a glimpse of potential, giving New York hope to turn around a frustrating season.