The New York Jets fell to 3-10 on Sunday after getting thumped 34-10 by the Miami Dolphins. The loss carried an all-too-familiar theme: more uncertainty at quarterback heading into next week. Undrafted rookie Brady Cook was thrown into the fire after Tyrod Taylor left in the first quarter with a groin injury, and while his box score stats left a lot to be desired, Cook proved to teammates that he had what it takes to have a long NFL career.
Jets Teammates Believe Cook Has The “It Factor”
Isaiah Williams, who scored his second punt return touchdown of the season, was among the many teammates praising Cook’s composure in his first regular-season action.
“I feel like Brady Cook is special. Like I told him after the game, because me [and] Mitch [Adonai Mitchell] were just talking about it, and we were like bro, he got it — he is special … Like when people talk about that IT factor, he one of them guys that got it,” Williams explained.
Williams wasn’t the only one to praise his rookie quarterback. Starting running back Breece Hall and center Josh Myers were also impressed with Cook during his NFL debut.
“Yeah, look, I think Brady is a good player who has a future in this league.” Myers told reporters after the game.
“Supreme confidence,” Hall said. “He takes every rep in practice like a pro. Once I heard how he came in and commanded the huddle, I was like, ‘Alright, he isn’t nervous. He’ll be alright.’”
“I think mentally he showed me that he got it,” Williams added.
Cook Could Get A Chance To Start Week 15 Game Versus Jaguars
Cook was signed to the 53-man roster on Saturday but still managed to show enough poise and presence to spark some optimism for Jets fans moving forward.
Head coach Aaron Glenn did not provide an update on Taylor’s status for next week, which means Cook may have a chance to start some games down the stretch for the lowly Jets.
Glenn said both Taylor and former starter Justin Fields are still being evaluated for their respective injuries, adding only that he will start the player that gives them the best chance to beat the Jaguars.
With Fields having been benched already, it seems unlikely that the Jets head coach would turn back to him, especially with the season winding down. Instead, New York could use the final four games to evaluate whether or not Cook deserves a roster spot heading into 2026.
Cook finished his NFL debut 14 of 30 for 163 yards and two interceptions but was plagued by a handful of drops by the Jets receiving corps. The rookie said he “absolutely” felt more comfortable as the game went on and showed enough flashes to justify getting more game reps in a lost season.
“I think you definitely saw flashes there in the fourth quarter of us moving the ball,” Cook said. “We need more of it.”
Even in a disappointing year, Cook’s debut gave the Jets something to be excited about. He may not be the team’s future starter, but his poise, composure, and ability to earn the respect of his teammates make him a strong candidate for a roster spot next season. For a team still sorting through uncertainty at quarterback, Cook showed enough to keep his name in the conversation down the stretch.
