Tyrod Taylor continues to justify the Jets' crucial QB decision

The New York Jets picked up their third win of the season on Sunday afternoon as they took down the Atlanta Falcons 27-24 at MetLife Stadium. With the win, the Jets are now 3-2 over their last five games.

It was a huge day for the Jets' special teams, highlighted by a fumble recovery and a game-winning 56-yard field goal by veteran kicker Nick Folk. The Jets also had another veteran step up on Sunday, as Tyrod Taylor delivered a strong performance.

Sunday's game marked Taylor's third start of the season and second in a row since Justin Fields was benched after the loss to the Patriots in Week 11.

Taylor wasn't dominant by any means, but his solid play continues to show that the Jets made the right decision in benching Fields and making him the starter.

Starting Tyrod Taylor has been the right decision by the Jets

Even at 36 years old, Tyrod Taylor has shown he still has some gas left in the tank. On Sunday, Taylor notched his first win as a starter since Week 18 of 2023 when he was with the Giants. It was also his first win as a starting quarterback for the Jets.

Against the Falcons, the veteran signal caller completed 57.6% of his passes for 172 yards and one touchdown. Taylor also added 44 yards and one touchdown on the ground.

When Taylor was named the starter, it wasn't about him taking the Jets on some crazy playoff push or showing that he can be the guy. Everyone knows Taylor is just a stopgap quarterback that can run an offense at a competent level, and that's it.

What was most important for this offense was having a quarterback who can run an NFL offense, so this coaching staff can evaluate what they have for the future. So far, Taylor's play has been a success in that aspect, especially when you just look at Adonai Mitchell and John Metchie.

On Sunday, Mitchell tallied eight receptions for 102 yards and a 52-yard touchdown in what was a career day for the second-year wideout. Despite Metchie struggling against Atlanta, he was coming off a game where he hauled in a career high six receptions.

As the season went on, it became increasingly clear that Fields was holding this Jets offense back. Taylor's ability to process the defense and get the ball out on time and on target to players like AD Mitchell, John Metchie, and even Mason Taylor is huge for their development.

Looking ahead to 2026, seeing these young players show progress and develop has to give you confidence in this offense moving forward. Taylor leading this offense is proving to be crucial in these young pass catchers' development.

This quarterback change has also been key for offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand, as he is now able to open up the playbook with a veteran under center.

With five games to go, the Jets will look to continue to show growth in all phases of the game, but especially on offense.