Breece Hall, Jets’ defense fuel 23-10 win over Titans in Aaron Glenn’s season opener.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Breece Hall powered the New York Jets’ ground game, while a relentless defensive effort helped them pull away from the Tennessee Titans for a 23-10 victory Sunday. Hall finished with 102 rushing yards and a touchdown as the Jets controlled the game from the opening quarter and never allowed Tennessee to take the lead. Geno Smith also delivered in his return to New York, completing 19 of 24 passes for 215 yards. The veteran quarterback, who was drafted by the Jets in 2013 before spending time with Seattle and Las Vegas, efficiently directed new offensive coordinator Frank Reich’s system. New York dominated the time of possession, holding the ball for nearly 39 minutes and finishing with a 367-195 advantage in total yards. “We started fast, and obviously we kept our foot on the gas and just tried to stay even-keeled throughout,” Smith said. The Jets established control with a lengthy first-half possession that lasted nearly 12 minutes and covered 19 plays. Rookie tight end Kenyon Sadiq capped another first-half scoring drive with a touchdown, giving New York a 10-3 advantage at halftime. New York continued to pressure rookie Titans quarterback Cam Ward throughout the afternoon. The second overall pick completed 19 of 32 attempts for 140 yards and did not throw a touchdown until late in the fourth quarter. Rookie edge rusher David Bailey recorded one of the Jets’ three sacks, while Kingsley Enagbare also brought down Ward. Veteran linebacker Demario Davis, one of New York’s offseason additions, led the defense in tackles. “They got after us,” Titans coach Robert Saleh said. Sunday marked Saleh’s first game against the Jets since leaving New York. He coached the Jets from 2021 until being fired after five games during the 2024 season before taking over Tennessee this year.
The Titans entered the season hoping a major offseason spending spree and Saleh’s arrival would help reverse four consecutive losing seasons. Instead, Tennessee struggled with mistakes early and never found an offensive rhythm. Joey Slye opened the game by kicking the ball out of bounds on the opening kickoff, while Tennessee also committed a costly special-teams mistake when returner Chimere Dike lost a fumble after being cleared from a concussion evaluation. New York also received a strong performance from kicker Jason Sanders. Elevated from the practice squad, Sanders connected on field goals from 33, 51 and 52 yards after missing a 54-yard attempt earlier in the game. Hall added some humor afterward when discussing Tennessee’s offseason spending. “A little birdie told us that they wrote some checks they couldn’t cash today,” Hall said. The victory gave the Jets their first season-opening win since 2023 and provided an encouraging start for Aaron Glenn, who is entering his second season as New York’s head coach. The Jets are attempting to end the longest playoff drought among the four major North American men’s professional sports leagues. Ward eventually found Elic Ayomanor for a late touchdown, but the score came too late to change the outcome.
Injuries
Jets safety Minkah Fitzpatrick left with a groin injury in the first quarter and did not return. Rookie wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. also exited with an ankle injury. Glenn said afterward that he was not overly concerned about either injury. Dike was evaluated for a concussion after being struck by a teammate while attempting to field a punt. He was cleared to return.
Remembering Chris Johnson
The Titans honored former running back Chris Johnson by inducting him into the franchise’s Ring of Honor. Johnson, known as “CJ2K,” was unable to attend the ceremony. He became the sixth player in NFL history to rush for more than 2,000 yards in a season. Johnson announced in June that he had been diagnosed with ALS.
What’s next
The Jets will host the Green Bay Packers in their home opener Sept. 20.
The Titans return home that same day to face the Philadelphia Eagles.
