Prior to the Jets' mini-bye last weekend, HC Aaron Glenn was asked if he was considering a change at quarterback.
"I'm evaluating everything," he said. "I'm evaluating myself, the players, schematics, coaches. I'm evaluating everything. So, I don't want to just place everything on that -- that one situation. I'm just looking at everything, because as a head coach, that's my job, to make sure that I put this team in the best position to go win games."
Following the weekend, a pair of Jets players deferred to their head coach on any potential lineup changes. But TE Jeremy Ruckert and DT Harrison Phillips did talk about the qualities Tyrod Taylor brings to the table when asked about the veteran signal-caller.
"Tyrod, he's a professional," Ruckert said. "You know what you're going to get from him. He's a guy that has played a lot of football. So, someone you can always lean on -- whether he's playing or not -- for advice."
Taylor's number has been called a few times already this season. When QB Justin Fields sustained a concussion in Week 2 against the Bills, Taylor stepped in during the final quarter. Fields remained sidelined for Week 3, and Taylor started in his place, helping keep the Jets in a battle with Tampa Bay that came down to a game-winning FG. Taylor, who has completed 43-of-69 passes for 379 yards with 3 TDs with 3 INTs this season, most recently appeared in the second half of a Week 7 game against Carolina.
"I think it's just been super impressive, his mindset this entire season," Phillips said. "You know, quarterbacks are a little different. They have to take the approach every week that they're going to go play 60 snaps to go win the football game and maybe never play a single snap. And with the long career he's had, there's no way he'd be able to still be doing this at a high level if he didn't take that approach every day through his 15 years."
Phillips, who joined the Bills the season after Taylor left Buffalo, said the veteran player left a lasting impression on coaches and teammates alike. Known for his ability to foster team camaraderie, Taylor has brought that same positive energy to the Green & White -- and his teammates are confident he can continue to lead them moving forward.
"A guy with a lot of experience, but a lot of ability," Ruckert said. "He's been that way since I've known him. First one in the building, last one out. So, a true pro to lean on when things get tough."
Ruckert, who played collegiately at Ohio State with Fields, praised his teammate's commitment throughout a trying season. While Fields has totaled 11 TDs (7 passing] against only 1 INT and leads all QBs with 383 rush yards, the pass game has struggled to find consistency.
"I just know how much he cares about us, how much he puts on the line every day," Ruckert said. "So, I take it personal, all the hate, all the talking that goes towards him. I take it personal because I'm one of the guys that takes the field with him, and I wish we could do a better job to help him out, but he's just a true professional, like I say every day. Not going to change how I feel about him, and I'm sure he'll be ready to go when his time comes."
