The New York Jets' Week 1 matchup against the Tennessee Titans is set to feature a compelling narrative of familiar faces in new places. Several players who previously played for the Jets or the New York Giants, who share offensive coordinator Brian Daboll with the Jets, are now key members of the Titans roster.
Defensive Line Reunions
Tennessee’s defense will see a reunion with former Jets Jermaine Johnson II and John Franklin-Myers. Johnson, a former first-round pick for the Jets, had 7.5 sacks in his second season in 2023 before a torn Achilles tendon ended his 2024 season early. He was traded to the Titans in February. The duo aims to pressure Jets quarterback Geno Smith. They will be matched against young offensive tackles Armand Membou and Olu Fashanu, who are considered a strong unit for the Jets and have familiarity with Johnson.
Membou has received significant praise during training camp, building on a solid rookie season. The Jets' offensive line is seen as a strength, with both Membou and Fashanu expected to protect Smith.
Passing Game Matchups
On the other side of the ball, the Jets' passing game will face players with recent ties to the Giants. Slot receiver Wan’Dale Robinson and cornerback Cor’Dale Flott, both of whom played under Daboll with the Giants last season, are now with Tennessee. Robinson is expected to be covered by former Titan Jarvis Brownlee Jr., whom the Jets acquired last September. Brownlee reportedly felt slighted by the Titans' decision to trade him without explanation and is anticipated to be motivated for his first game against his former team.
Flott, who recorded a career-high 11 passes defensed for the Giants and signed a three-year, $45 million deal with the Titans, is likely to be tested by the Jets' talented wide receivers Garrett Wilson and Adonai Mitchell. The Jets may target Flott, a former third-round pick, over the Titans' top cornerback, Alontae Taylor, who is regarded as one of the league's promising young defensive backs.
Rookie Pass Rusher Debut
Jets rookie edge rusher David Bailey, the second overall pick in the draft, was a standout during training camp. His addition is intended to bolster a pass rush that ranked 31st in the league with only 26 sacks last season. Bailey could have a significant impact in his debut against the Titans' offensive line, which is considered below average. Offensive tackles JC Latham and Dan Moore Jr. have not been highly regarded, with Latham ranked 47th and Moore 63rd in pass blocking by Pro Football Focus, respectively. The Titans allowed 56 sacks last season, the sixth-highest total in the league.
Secondary Focus for Jets
Jets quarterback Cam Ward had a difficult rookie year, finishing last in the NFL with a 5.9 yards per attempt average. The Titans have added Robinson and first-round pick Carnell Tate to bolster their receiving corps. The Jets, meanwhile, are looking to improve their secondary, having notably failed to record a single interception last season. They signed veteran safety Minkah Fitzpatrick in free agency and drafted cornerback D’Angelo Ponds, though Ponds has been sidelined with a calf injury since the first day of training camp.