Jets head coach Aaron Glenn met with the media today and as one might expect, had some good things to say after watching the film of the Jets opening day loss to the Steelers.

Discussing quarterback Justin Fields, Glenn was obviously encouraged by what was one of the best performances of his career.  In what was his 45th career start, Fields posted his sixth-best completion percentage at 73% in going 16 for 22.

The head coach lauded Fields for his ability to get squared up and complete passes on the move which is obviously a huge asset for his offense.

And the @nyjets take the lead on a beautiful TD pass from Justin Fields to Garrett Wilson. pic.twitter.com/AUp2WbjUJv

— Glenn Naughton (@JNRadio_Glenn) September 7, 2025

He also had plenty of praise for fellow cornerback Sauce Gardner, who traveled all day with DK Metcalf and held him to just one reception on 3 targets.  And even that was a fluke as Gardner batted the pass for what should have been a pass broken up, but it bounced off of a Steelers player and landed on the lap of Metcalf who made the unorthodox reception.

Unsurprisingly, Glenn also presented a defense of free agent cornerback Brandon Stephens, who the Steelers used as a virtual punching bag in the second half.  According to the folks at PFF.com, Stephens allowed 5 catches on 7 targets for 60 yards and a pair of touchdowns.  He was also flagged for pass interference and got away with one later in the game.

Glenn said Stephens was in good position to make plays on the ball but didn’t get his head turned around, which he expects to improve as the season goes on.  Whether or not it does remains to be seen as that was a criticism of Stephens from his time in Baltimore.

A few more notes from the presser:

-Glenn noted the team having just a single pre-snap penalty.  The Jets were the worst team in the NFL in that category last year.

-Allen Lazard was inactive because he missed two weeks of camp and wants him on the same page when activated.

-Noted that having Sauce Gardner travel with one receiver gives him the ability to hone in and study that player’s tendencies leading up to the game.

-Said there are ways to be an enforcer without getting flagged as he addressed John Simpson’s pentalty when he jumped in to come to Just Fields’ defense.