The New York Jets may have found a solution to their persistent kicking issues with Jason Sanders, who, despite an early miscue, delivered key field goals in the team's 23-10 win against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. Sanders, re-signed to the practice squad after initial cuts, was 3-for-4 on field goals during the game.
His afternoon began with a notable miss from 54 yards, a kick that fell significantly short and lacked elevation. However, Sanders redeemed himself later in the game, converting a 51-yard field goal in the third quarter to extend the Jets' lead to 20-3, followed by a 52-yarder in the fourth quarter that made the score 23-3. Head coach Aaron Glenn acknowledged the miss but praised Sanders' overall performance, stating, “He had one miss, which we’ll talk about when we get back, but overall I thought he did pretty well.”
Sanders' history includes missing the entire previous season with a hip injury. In his last full season in 2024 with the Dolphins, he achieved an 84.6 percent success rate on field goals, making 37 of 41 attempts and going 12-for-14 from 50-plus yards. The competition for the kicker position remains ongoing, with teammate Cade York also vying for the role. Glenn indicated a desire to give Blake Grupe a proper chance to compete, suggesting the decision might not be finalized.
Beyond kicking, defensive back Qwan’tez Stiggers made a significant impact on special teams. Stiggers recovered a fumble on a kickoff in the second quarter, forced by linebacker Marcelino McCrary-Ball. He also played a role in disrupting a punt return and later downed a punt at the Tennessee 2-yard line. Stiggers expressed his commitment to excelling on special teams, aiming to be the best in the league.
Injuries were a concern for the Jets, with starting safety Minkah Fitzpatrick leaving in the first quarter with a groin injury and rookie wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. also departing in the first quarter due to an ankle injury. Coach Glenn, however, suggested that the injuries might not be as severe as they initially appeared.
Rookie first-round pick David Bailey recorded his first NFL sack during the game.
The Jets defense did not record an interception in the game, continuing a streak from the previous season where they failed to intercept any passes over 515 attempts by opposing quarterbacks. This lack of interceptions, combined with only four total takeaways (all fumble recoveries) in 2025, marked an all-time league low.