New York Jets defeat Tennessee Titans 23-10 to spoil Robert Saleh's debut

Jets control opener against former coach

The New York Jets opened their regular season with a 23-10 victory over the Tennessee Titans in Nashville on Sunday. The result spoiled the Tennessee head coaching debut of Robert Saleh, who led the Jets from 2021 until his dismissal five games into the 2024 season. Both teams entered the matchup after finishing 3-14 in the previous campaign. Jets head coach Aaron Glenn, starting his second year in New York, secured his first Week 1 win since 2023. The Jets never trailed during the game, taking a 10-3 lead into halftime before extending their advantage on their first two possessions of the second half.

Offense and ball control build New York lead

New York controlled the tempo behind offensive coordinator Frank Reich, finishing with 367 total yards of offense. Quarterback Geno Smith completed 19 of 24 passes for 215 yards and did not take a sack. Running back Breece Hall accumulated 102 rushing yards and a touchdown, allowing the Jets to hold possession for just over 38 minutes. One first-half scoring drive spanned 19 plays and drained 11 minutes and 48 seconds off the game clock. Kicker Jason Sanders, elevated from the practice squad before kickoff, made field goals from 33, 51, and 52 yards while missing from 54 yards.

Titans offense falters in steamy conditions

Tennessee managed 195 total yards of offense, with only 55 yards generated during the first half as temperatures reached a heat index of around 100 degrees. Second-year quarterback Cam Ward completed 19 of 32 passes for 140 yards and a touchdown with 2:42 remaining in the fourth quarter. Ward took three sacks, including one from rookie edge rusher David Bailey, the number two pick in April's draft. Offensive mistakes began on the opening play when kicker Joey Slye sent the kickoff out of bounds, followed by an offensive turnover when returner Chimere Dike lost a fumble on a kickoff. Titans left guard Peter Skoronski addressed the team's showing after the game.

When you have a product like that, when you have a bad performance like that, it is hard to blame anybody. If you want to keep guys in their seats, you've got to play well.

Titans head coach Robert Saleh addressed the performance during his postgame press conference.

I can throw podiums around if you want to make everyone feel good, but it's really go back, watch the tape, figure it out, and see if we can get better from this.

Quarterback Cam Ward noted that the team had 16 regular season games remaining.

It's only Week 1. We've got 16 left. We just got to take it each and every day and try to get some wins.

First-half injuries and franchise honors

The Jets sustained several injuries during the victory, losing starting safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to a groin injury in the first quarter. Rookie wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr., chosen 30th overall in the draft, suffered an ankle injury at the end of a 30-yard reception on the opening drive and did not return. Starting cornerback Jarvis Brownlee Jr. also departed late in the second quarter with a calf injury. Tennessee used the home opener to induct former running back Chris Johnson into the franchise's Ring of Honor. Johnson, who ran for over 2,000 yards in NFL history and announced his ALS diagnosis in June, was unable to attend the ceremony in person.