Joseph Ossai, edge rusher, New York Jets, Jets vs. Titans
Joseph Ossai, edge rusher, New York Jets, Jets vs. Titans
The Jets vs. Titans game is more than just a season opener for both teams. For the Tennessee Titans, it’s their first opportunity to see the retooled roster under the guidance of new head coach Robert Saleh. Revenge is certainly at the forefront of the new Titans head coach’s mind after his midseason firing from the New York Jets in 2024, ending his four-year tenure in New York. After bringing in former New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll, can the duo maximize Tennessee’s potential and the talent around the 2025 first overall pick, quarterback Cam Ward?
Meanwhile, the New York Jets are hoping for a major leap forward under Aaron Glenn in his second season as head coach. After retooling the coaching staff with both a new offensive and defensive coordinator, Glenn and the team look to put 2025 in the rearview mirror. After ranking among the league’s worst in passing offense, sacks, and turnovers, the team had seismic changes that needed to be addressed. With the addition of veteran quarterback Geno Smith and the arrival of second overall pick edge rusher David Bailey, among other moves, the Jets hope this influx of talent can change things.
But a victory in Week 1 would be a big start in the right direction. Will Robert Saleh’s revenge be had at New York’s expense? Or can the Jets pull out a victory to set the course for a more successful season in 2026? Only one way to find out.
Breece Hall, running back, New York Jets Breece Hall Return
Aug 14, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets running back Breece Hall (20) carries the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
Jets vs. Titans Week 1 Preview: Old Faces, New Places
Robert Saleh, head coach, Tennessee Titans, Tennessee Blessed With Hidden Gems
Tennessee Titans coach Robert Saleh, center, and Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Brian Daboll meet to talk during stretching at the Titans Rookie Camp Day 2 at Vanderbilt Health Football Center in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, May 2, 2026. © DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Tennessee Titans Kick Off the Robert Saleh Era
After just under two seasons in Tennessee, the Titans decided it was time to move on from head coach Brian Callahan. Callahan arrived in Tennessee in 2024 to replace longtime Titans head coach(and future New England Patriots head coach) Mike Vrabel. Callahan was fired six weeks into the 2025 season after Tennessee started the year 1-5. Callahan ended his Titans tenure with a combined record of 4-19. Unfortunately, the ex-Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator was unable to field an offense that could compare to the unit he helped Bengals head coach Zac Taylor build around quarterback Joe Burrow.
As a result, the team hired San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh. Saleh returned to San Francisco in 2025 after departing from the NFC West powerhouse in 2021 to become the New York Jets head coach. The longtime defensive coordinator was able to field a competitive defensive unit led by defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and cornerback Ahmad ‘Sauce’ Gardner.
Unfortunately, the Jets offense continued to struggle under Saleh’s watch. With expectations of competing for the playoffs in 2023 and 2024 after the arrival of future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the team couldn’t capitalize. Between Rodgers’ struggles and defensive regression, the Jets were off to a 2-3 start before Saleh was relieved of his duties in October of 2024. Saleh’s tenure in New York ended with a record of 20-36 over four seasons. For Robert Saleh, Jets vs. Titans is the ultimate opportunity to avenge his firing with a win over his former team.
Cam Ward Preseason Finale: What The Titans QB Needs to Show
Aug 23, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward (1) stands in the pocket against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Will Cam Ward’s Development Take Another Step Forward?
After finishing with a record of 3-14 in 2024, the Tennessee Titans entered the 2025 NFL Draft with the first overall pick. The team selected University of Miami quarterback Cam Ward first overall. Ward spent one season with the Miami Hurricanes after splitting his first four seasons between Incarnate Word and Washington State. Ward finished the 2024 season leading FBS with 39 touchdown passes to only seven interceptions, as well as setting a school record in passing yards with 4,313 while completing 67.2% of his passes through 13 games.
Despite the hype around Cam Ward, the rookie quarterback had a rude awakening during his introduction to the NFL. Ward started all 17 games in his rookie season, finishing with 3,169 yards while throwing 15 touchdowns against seven interceptions. He completed 59% of his passes as well. The problem was that Ward barely had time to get the ball out of his hands. Ward finished his rookie season leading the NFL with 55 sacks, with a loss of 410 yards.
However, the Titans are optimistic their offseason additions will benefit the young quarterback. Saleh brought in ex-New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll to run his offense. Despite his struggles while leading the Giants, Daboll is an experienced offensive mind who should aid in Ward’s development. After all, the last time Daboll was an offensive coordinator, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen was playing some of his best football under Daboll’s watch.
Along with Daboll, the Titans added two new starting interior offensive linemen, including veteran center Austin Schlottmann and fifth-round pick Fernando Carmona Jr. It’s expected that both linemen will help to give Ward time as he targets fourth overall pick wide receiver Carnell Tate. Tate enters Tennessee after a great career at Ohio State that was capped off with an 875-yard season on 51 catches along with eight touchdown receptions through 11 games.
Jets Keys to Victory in Week 1
The Jets vs. Titans will be an interesting matchup for both teams. It will be the first time both teams have faced off since Week 2 of the 2024 season, in which New York emerged victorious in a 24-17 road victory. If the Jets look to repeat history, they have to execute with precision and confidence. The Titans’ defense under Saleh is going to create ways to get after 14-year veteran quarterback Geno Smith. Especially with a defense led by three-time All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons. How can the Jets leave Tennessee with a victory to start the season?
Braelon Allen, running back, New York Jets Running Back Braelon Allen
Sep 21, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers outside linebacker Lavonte David (54) tackles New York Jets running back Braelon Allen (0) during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Rely on the Run to set up the Passing Game
A lot of talk this offseason has been about New York’s improved passing offense. On paper, the Jets offense should execute more efficiently with Smith compared to last year’s quarterback trio of Justin Fields, Tyrod Taylor, and Brady Cook. New York added weapons behind star wide receiver Garrett Wilson and Adonai Mitchell with the rookie duo of first-round picks, wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. and tight end Kenyon Sadiq. But it won’t be able to operate without a solid output from the running game.
Last season, the Titans allowed the 18th most rushing yards in the NFL with 1,948 rushing yards allowed. Expect Robert Saleh’s defense to be aggressive in the trenches. Fortunately for New York, star running back Breece Hall is on track to play in Week 1 after missing over two weeks while recovering from a non-contact groin injury. Hall finished with his first 1,000-yard rushing season for the first time in his career. His impact on the offense is crucial both as a runner and as a receiver as a check-down option.
In addition, the return of Braelon Allen will be important to give New York a physical runner between the trenches to avoid wear and tear on Hall. Setting the tempo on the ground will create opportunities for Smith when it’s time to air it out. Between Wilson, Mitchell, Cooper Jr, and the tight end duo of Sadiq and Mason Taylor, Smith will have plenty of options to spread the ball on offense.
David Bailey, edge rusher, New York Jets, Jets & Buccaneers joint practice
Jul 30, 2026; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets edge David Bailey (31) warms up during training camp at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
Defensive Line Must Disrupt Ward’s Timing
As for the defense, this is where the Jets must show their commitment to improve from last season. In 2025, New York finished second-to-last in team sacks, only trailing a Nick Bosa-less 49ers team. After failing to generate turnovers, the Jets must create pressure at the line of scrimmage.
New York will look to utilize their defensive line to avoid giving Ward opportunities to move the ball down the field. In their first major move of the offseason, the Jets acquired defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat from the Titans in exchange for defensive end Jermaine Johnson. Sweat flashed moments of brilliance as a run-stopper during his first two seasons in Tennessee. The pressure he generates on the interior will be necessary for the Jets’ new edge rushers to have a shot at Cam Ward.
If New York wants to slow down Ward, they have to generate pressure off the edge. New York drafted edge rusher David Bailey out of Texas Tech with the second overall pick. Bailey was crucial to the Red Raiders’ success, leading the NCAA with 14.5 sacks. New York is optimistic Bailey can help generate more pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Along with Bailey, veteran newcomer Joseph Ossai will also need to make an impact. The former Cincinnati Bengals outside linebacker finished with two consecutive seasons with five sacks. If the Jets defense is going to take a step forward this season, the outside linebacker duo of Bailey and Ossai will be crucial.
The Last Word
Jets vs. Titans should be a fun opening to the season between two teams looking to start fresh. The Titans hope Robert Saleh can revitalize the defense under his watch while offensive coordinator Brian Daboll tries to elevate Cam Ward’s game to franchise quarterback levels in Tennessee. For the Jets, Aaron Glenn is striving for big changes in his second season to help protect his job long-term. Ideally, the Jets influx of veteran talent they added can mentor the young core as they look to improve from 2025 and field a more complete and competitive team in 2026.
More Jets News
Breece Hall Returns to Practice Ahead of Week 1
Jets Work Out 2 QBs, Including Will Levis
Jarvis Brownlee Jr. Is In Line For a Huge Opportunity
Jets Kicker Options Expand as Season Draws Near
Main Photo: [Vincent Carchietta] – Reuters Connect