Three Jets Who Deserve Praise in Week 1 Win Against The Titans

The New York Jets returned to the field on Sunday, September 13th, to kick off a brand new campaign. Seasons, as of late, haven’t been too kind to the Jets. Many records within the last decade have been less than favorable. The last time Gang Green even had a winning record came all the way back in 2015. Last season, they went an abysmal 3-14, so fans were hoping for something to cling to in Week 1. Spoiler alert: That is exactly what we got and then some.

The Jets battled their former head coach, and many former teammates, as they traveled to the Country Music Capital of the world to take on the Tennessee Titans. This may have been one of the best and most fun games in recent memory for the Jets. From the outset, the Jets looked simply phenomenal. Breece Hall was back to his normal self, Geno Smith turned over a new leaf in New York, and Garrett Wilson was an absolute stud. The Jets came out of Nashville with a commanding 23-10 victory, putting them in first place in the AFC East. Also, this was the first Week 1 since 2009 when the Jets and their stadium counterparts, the New York Giants, each won. Progress people… Progress. So, which three Jets deserve praise for their performance in this win?

Offense: Breece Hall, RB

Was there really any other option? Actually, I guess there was. Geno Smith had an outstanding game, completing 19 of his 24 passes for 215 yards. The offensive line didn’t let up a single sack, which is kind of unheard of for Jets fans, and Garrett Wilson balled out as he actually had a competent quarterback throwing him the ball. Wilson hauled in six receptions for 79 yards, and Adonai Mitchell was next on the stat sheet, as he brought in three receptions in his own right for 60 yards. So, what makes Breece Hall’s day so special?

Firstly, let’s look at the stats. Breece Hall has had a rough go of it late with New York, as they have yet to reach the NFL Playoffs with one of the best running backs in the league. However, he is coming off his first 1,000-yard season in 2025, so progress. In this game, Hall got his season off to a wild start. He finished the game with 102 yards on 22 carries. To set the tone, the very opening drive of the game, Hall rushed for 18 yards, including a three-yard touchdown rush in the very first drive of the season. He put the Jets in front 7-0, and honestly, they never looked back. This could be a very exciting season for Breece if he keeps it up. Sitting at over 100 yards already in Week 1, he looks likely to hit another 1,000-yard season.

Breece Hall walk-in touchdown pic.twitter.com/oG8CMKyn1L

— SNY Jets (@snyjets) September 13, 2026

The Jets overpowered the Titans at the line of scrimmage, controlling the clock with the running game while keeping Tennessee to three points through 57 minutes. This was a major reason as to why the Jets came away with the win. Hall didn’t enjoy many favorable game scripts as the Jets went 3-14 last season, but he capitalized on the heavy workload in the season-opener. Hall and the Jets will look to build on this strong start in their Week 2 home opener against the Packers.

Defense: Dane Belton, S

During Week 1, Jets fans all around the globe had one thing in common: we were all slightly worried about the Jets defense. With Minkah Fitzpatrick getting injured in the first quarter of the game, Dane Belton was left with a very tough job to step up to the plate and fill in the shoes of Fitzpatrick. That’s not easy for any safety to do, let alone a fifth-year player. Fitzpatrick is one of the best safeties in the league, and the Jets were bound to struggle without him, right? Not quite. Dane Belton decided to ball out and step up to the plate on Sunday, against Cam Ward. He finished the game with three total tackles, two of which were solo. There was even a portion of the game when Jarvis Brownlee left with an injury, and Belton lined up in the slot for the Jets. His versatility was on full display in this contest, and his impact was an underrated factor in the defense’s performance.

Belton played in 50 defensive snaps, taking snaps in the box, slot, and free safety. According to Pro Football Focus, he finished with a 75.8 overall grade, a 71.9 coverage grade, and a 63 run defense grade. One of the biggest strengths that Belton brought to New York was being a sound tackler and attacking downhill. Both of those things have remained true, and the fact that the coaching staff trusted him to play in Fitzpatrick’s role shows how highly they view him.  He started the game across from Fitzpatrick, but with the former dealing with a groin injury, there’s a great shot that Belton will be thrust into a bigger part of the game plan. Throughout the summer, he was in a battle with Andre Cisco, but from all accounts, he was the better and more consistent player.

NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported on Tuesday morning that Fitzpatrick is set to miss at least two to three weeks with the injury, meaning the former All-Pro won’t be going on injured reserve. Positive, all things considered. That was unfortunate since he’s poised to play a huge role in New York’s defense, but with Fitzpatrick dealing with an injury, fellow safety Dane Belton will likely play a massive role for this unit. There’s no telling how Glenn will fully utilize Belton, yet there’s no question he will be all over the field. His ability to wear multiple hats is going to be something that’s leaned on and will put him in different positions to make plays.

Special Teams: Jason Sanders, K

Jason Sanders entered Week 1 as a bit of a marked man for Jets fans. He is not the best kicker in the league; there’s no debate about that. He may not even be in the top 10 legs in the league. So, this was the one issue that Jets fans had to worry about a lot entering the season. The former Miami Dolphins All-Pro did not inspire confidence throughout the summer, particularly in the preseason finale. Sanders missed both an extra point and a field goal, with the field goal attempt coming up short on a 54-yard attempt. However, in Week 1, Sanders got the opportunity to prove a lot of the doubters wrong.

Some redemption for Jason Sanders who has now drilled two kicks from outside of 50 yards. pic.twitter.com/WQJlvgDdve

— Glenn Naughton (@JNRadio_Glenn) September 13, 2026

Did he go 100%? Nope. However, he connected on three of his four kicks, including a long one from 52 yards out, and connected on both of his extra points, to give him 11 points in the game, solo. The kicking position in the NFL may be one of the most underrated, yet crucial parts of a team. Thankfully, in this one, Sanders gave Jets fans a lot more to cheer about. His 52-yarder may have quieted a lot of doubters, especially coming off his miss at a 54-yarder in the preseason finale.

Will Sanders be an automatic hit? No shot. However, Jets fans would be happy if he makes more than he misses. Week 1 was a massive positive first step for Sanders in not only building the fan base’s confidence in him, but more than likely building up his own confidence. Things were very much going in Sanders’ direction in Week 1, and he deserves praise for his performance on Special Teams.

The post Three Jets Who Deserve Praise in Week 1 Win Against The Titans appeared first on JetNation.com – New York Jets Blog & Forum. Be sure to check out the JetNation forums for around-the-clock Jets talk. https://forums.JetNation.com You can discuss this with other NY Jets fans on the Jet Nation message board. Or visit of on Facebook.