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Victory Monday: Jets dominate Titans in Nashville to secure Week 1 win

Image Credit: Bill Menzel/Latino Sports

MIAMI, FL — Year two of the Aaron Glenn era is off to a hot start for the New York Jets. 

Facing the Titans and former head coach Robert Saleh Sunday afternoon at Nissan Stadium in Nashville to kick off the 2026 NFL regular season, the Jets notched a decisive road victory by a final score of 23-10. New York imposed its will on both sides of the ball, never letting Tennessee get comfortable at any point of the game. 

It was one of the better Week 1 performances for Gang Green in recent memory, as the Jets, marking its first Week 1 win since 2023 and fourth since 2015, moved to 1-0 on the season.

Up next is a Week 2 duel with the Green Bay Packers (0-1) at MetLife Stadium this coming Sunday, September 20th, the team’s 2026 regular season home opener.

Offensive Domination

From the beginning of its first offensive possession, the Jets were mostly dominant, with New York’s rushing attack playing part as the team’s centerpiece. 

Between running backs Breece Hall and Braelon Allen, each averaging at least 4.0 rushing yards per carry, the Jets ran for 142 yards on 32 carries. Allen posted 40 yards on his 10 carries, while Hall ran for 102 yards on 22 touches with a touchdown.

As both running backs were explosive, showed great vision, and ran with power in their own individual ways, the offensive line were the key components in creating massive lanes and opening space to move down the field. 

Tight end Kenyon Sadiq (three receptions for 60 yards & a three yard rushing touchdown) even got involved in the action, opening up the scoring with a TD on a jet sweep.

When the Jets decided to get its passing game going, they were just as successful. And like New York’s rushing attack, it all started up front as NY’s O-line stuffed Tennessee into a proverbial locker on a consistent basis. Joe Tippmann and Armand Membou pitched complete shutouts in pass protection, while Olu Fashanu was very impressive as well. 

Quarterback Geno Smith, as a result of all the production in front of him, completed 19 passes on 24 of his attempts for 215 yards. He too joined in on the Jets’ rushing attack, compiling seven yards on the ground. 

Creating separation to all levels of the field to notch 79 yards on six catches, wide receiver Garrett Wilson, a star in the making with glimpses shown daily, was electric all day. Adonai Mitchell was as well, tacking on 60 receiving yards, including a big 40-yard catch that could have been an even bigger gain.

Omar Cooper Jr. also had a big 30-yard catch early in the contest.

After the win, Smith highlighted the overall offensive unit and its versatility, stating, “We just want to execute the play at hand. I thought coach (Glenn) called a great game. 15 run plays on a 19-play drive (in the first half), that to me just speaks volumes to the type of offensive line that we have, to us setting the tone up front against a really good defensive line.” 

One great game does not mean much in the grand scheme for the Jets’ 2026 season, however, New York showed what could make them a dangerous offense this year, with more improvements and adjustments bound to come as time goes on barring injuries. 

If the Jets pull out a win this coming Sunday, September 20th vs. Green Bay at MetLife Stadium, it would mark the first 2-0 start for Gang Green since 2015 and sixth 2-0 start since 2000 – Image Credit: Bill Menzel/Latino Sports

Heading into Week 2, Gang Green’s offense is a big bright spot and one to keep an eye on across the league. 

The Defense Steps Up

As key as the offense was for the Jets Sunday in Nashville, the defense was just as impressive. 

Outside of a garbage-time touchdown, Tennessee struggled to move the ball in any legitimate capacity. Against the run, not finding many lanes and the same in the air for Titans QB Cam Ward not generating much gains. The interior of the defensive line, led by Harrison Phillips, generated a push consistently as linebacker Demario Davis and defensive back Jarvis Brownlee Jr. cleaned up and eliminated any possibility of chunk plays.

On passing downs, the entire Jets’ defense went to work, pressuring Ward on 39% of his dropbacks. David Bailey and Will McDonald each recorded sacks and multiple pressures on the second year QB and first overall pick of the 2025 NFL Draft. 

Kingsley Enagbare notched a sack of his own with T’Vondre Sweat causing havoc nearby. In the secondary, it was Davis, Brownlee Jr., Azareye’h Thomas, Dane Belton and Brandon Stephens making an impact. 

A true team effort for all four quarters. 

Leading the Jets to a 1-0 start after a 3-14 season a year ago, Glenn spoke highly about the collective preparation he saw from the defense, stating, “It’s a collective effort. I think everybody, the whole staff, did an outstanding job of each situation, everybody needs to be the head coach in those situations. And those men did a really good job of collecting information, giving me the information that they have, and then me just figuring out how we want to get ready to attack this team.”

Quote of the Day

“It feels good. It’s just the right way to start the season. I guess my rookie year (2023) we started off 1-0, but it’s been a while since we’ve been there. So, it feels good to be back here. We just got to kind of go watch the tape, and then wipe this game, and on to next week. We got Green Bay at home,” said offensive lineman Joe Tippmann on the Jets’ win during Sunday’s postgame.

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