Justin Fields may be one bad game away from ending his Jets career again

Justin Fields is once again staring down the barrel of his New York Jets future, and this time, there might not be another reprieve.

A few weeks ago, Fields was reportedly on the verge of being benched before a knee injury to Tyrod Taylor gave him a last-minute lifeline. He made the most of it, throwing for 244 yards and a touchdown in a thrilling 39-38 win over Cincinnati that temporarily silenced the noise from his harshest critics.

But the goodwill didn’t last. Fields quickly reverted to the maddening inconsistency that’s defined his career. His Week 10 performance against Cleveland — 6-of-11 for 54 yards, with 42 of those on a single Breece Hall screen — was another low point.

Somehow, in four of his eight starts this year, Fields has failed to throw for more than 60 yards. That should be impossible in today’s (or really any iteration of the) NFL, yet here the Jets are, hoping he can survive another week.

Justin Fields is once again fighting for his Jets future

For all the talk about the Jets’ improving defense, stellar special teams, and revitalized run game, the quarterback position continues to be a weekly soap opera.

Head coach Aaron Glenn refuses to name a starter ahead of Thursday night’s primetime matchup with the 8-2 New England Patriots, but it seems like a foregone conclusion that Fields will get the nod. And it’s likely his last chance.

Fields ranks 30th in adjusted EPA/play this season, and his highs have been overshadowed by historically bad lows. When he struggles, he becomes completely unplayable. He becomes a quarterback that the coaching staff doesn’t even seem to trust to operate the offense.

The Jets called just 14 pass plays against the Browns. Fields has now produced fewer than 60 passing yards in three of his last four starts — something that hasn’t been seen from an NFL starter in over half a century.

The frustrating part for the Jets is that there have been flashes. That Cincinnati performance showed what Fields can do when everything clicks, when the offense moves with tempo, when he’s decisive, when the protection holds. But those flashes have been few and far between as of late.

At some point, “potential” stops being a promise and becomes an excuse. The Jets are winning despite their quarterback right now, not because of him. Glenn can continue to play the “competitive advantage” game and refuse to answer questions about the position, but Thursday night could force his hand.

The Patriots are red-hot, winners of seven straight and first in the AFC East. The spotlight will be as bright as it gets under the primetime lights.

If Fields struggles again — if he once again melts under pressure and drags the offense down with him — there shouldn't be another bailout. His second chance might finally run out.