Jets-Titans: What to watch for in their Week 1 matchup
Jets' Geno Smith looks to pass during the first quarter of a preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Aug. 21, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pa. Credit: Getty Images/Joe Sargent
The return of Geno
Geno Smith is back running the Jets offense for the first time in nearly 10 years. He called it “an honor” to be with the franchise again and lead this “young talented group of guys.”
It didn’t go well for Smith or the Jets their first time together. He’s a different player now, a seasoned veteran who has played in many big games. Smith has the confidence and trust of his coaches and teammates, and he’s motivated to help the Jets reach the playoffs for the first time in 16 years.
“I know that there's a great opportunity in front of this team,” said Smith, who added that a successful season “starts with wins and it ends with wins.”
The Jets’ chances of winning will improve if Smith takes care of the football. He’s thrown a league-leading 32 interceptions over the past two seasons.
Saleh’s Super Bowl
Robert Saleh is making his Titans head coaching debut against the team he guided for parts of four seasons.
Saleh has tried to downplay this game against his old team and said he doesn’t “hold grudges.” There is no doubt it means a lot more to Saleh than he’s letting on after how his Jets’ tenure ended. He was fired five games into the 2024 season when the Jets were 2-3.
The Jets who remain from the Saleh Era know what to expect from his defense, perennially one of the best in football. The Jets also are familiar with some players. Saleh brought in ex-Jets Jermaine Johnson, John Franklin-Myers, Solomon Thomas and Tony Adams.
“I'm sure he's got some wrinkles in there since he's been here,” receiver Garrett Wilson said. “They always really sound in what they do, and I know the way he teaches it. He's thorough. I'm excited for the challenge. I'm excited to see him. I'm excited to play against his team.”
Super-Glenn to the rescue
The Jets’ defense was abysmal last season. Here comes Super-Glenn to the rescue.
OK, that’s a reach. But Aaron Glenn is calling the defense now and he’s the one who said it’s his “superpower.” Those are big words that have to be backed up.
The Jets and their revamped defense have an opportunity to get off to a good start against the Titans and second-year quarterback Cam Ward. Tennessee was in the bottom three in total offense and passing last year. Saleh hired former Giants coach Brian Daboll as offensive coordinator to change that.
Glenn can’t wait to unleash rookie edge rusher David Bailey, the No. 2 overall pick. Ward was sacked 55 times last year, the most in the NFL.
The additions of ex-Titan tackle T’Vondre Sweat and veteran David Onyemata will help the Jets’ run defense. Glenn’s aggressive system will utilize three-, four- and five-man fronts and he will dial up blitzes at a high rate. Minkah Fitzpatrick on a safety blitz is likely on Glenn’s call sheet.
Wilson’s back and thinking big
Garrett Wilson will play his first game since suffering a knee injury last Nov. 9. His presence and the attention that he receives should create opportunities for the other Jets’ skills players. Wilson averaged 1,083 receiving yards over his first three seasons.
Entering Year 5, Wilson is as confident as he’s ever been that the Jets’ playoff drought will end. He called their chances “very realistic.”
“I think it should happen,” Wilson said. “Something’s going to happen this year. We have as good of an opportunity as anyone else in this league and I'm excited.”
The Jets have more playmakers on offense than previous years and a seasoned, experienced former quarterback calling the offense.
Frank Reich is the Jets’ new offensive coordinator. He believes in being diverse, spreading around the football and giving his players freedom to react to how the defense is playing. The Jets should have a far more effective and entertaining offense this season.
“I think we have a bunch of playmakers,” Reich said. “We're all seeing and we all believe what can be possible.”
An interception would be nice
Other than winning the game, intercepting a pass is very high on the Jets’ list of priorities. Glenn and the defense want to finally check that box.
It’s been well-documented that the Jets became the first team in NFL history last season to go an entire season without recording an interception. Their last pick was Jan. 5, 2025 when ex-Jet Ashtyn Davis had two interceptions against Miami.
“Best believe we are hunting for that ball for sure,” cornerback Azareye’h Thomas said
Ward took care of the football well enough last year. He was only picked off seven times on 540 pass attempts. The Jets hope their constantly-changing fronts and looks and the pressure Bailey can cause will rattle Ward and force him to make a mistake.
NUMBER, PLEASE
3,612
The number of days between starts for Geno Smith’s as Jets’ quarterback. His last one was Oct. 23, 2016 against Baltimore. Smith left in the first half with a knee injury. It was his last game as a Jet before Sunday.
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
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