Jets' Jeremy Ruckert shares emotional response after reported benching of Justin Fields

Reports surfaced on Monday claiming that the 2-8 New York Jets were benching starting quarterback Justin Fields in favor of journeyman Tyrod Taylor for the club's game at the Baltimore Ravens (5-5) this coming Sunday. 

Long before the Jets found themselves in the middle of yet another frustrating season for the organization, Fields and tight end Jeremy Ruckert were college teammates at Ohio State. While speaking with reporters on Monday, Ruckert offered a passionate defense of Fields.

Jeremy Ruckert takes Justin Fields slander personally

"I just know how much he cares about us, how much he puts on the line every day," Ruckert said about Fields, per Susanna Weir of the Jets' website. "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."

Barring an injury, Fields' time as the Jets' full-time QB1 is likely over. He went 2-7 across his nine starts with the club and passed for under 60 yards in four of those games. According to ESPN stats, the Jets head into Week 12 ranked last in the league with an average of 139.9 passing yards per contest. 

How Tyrod Taylor has been "super impressive" with Jets

As for Taylor, the 36-year-old started at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 3 when Fields was in the concussion protocol. Taylor completed 26-of-36 passes for 197 yards with two touchdowns and an interception that was taken to the house for a score in that outing. The Jets ultimately lost when Tampa Bay's Chase McLaughlin kicked a walk-off field goal. 

"I think it's just been super impressive, his mindset this entire season," Jets defensive tackle Harrison Phillips said about Taylor. "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."

As of Tuesday morning, ESPN BET had the Jets as huge 13-point underdogs against the Ravens.