The Jets got a much-needed lift to open the season, and it didn’t stop with the scoreboard. After beating the Tennessee Titans 23-10 on Sunday, New York also climbed in the latest NFL power rankings heading into this weekend’s matchup with the Green Bay Packers.
That’s a welcome change for Aaron Glenn’s team, which won its season opener instead of spending the early part of the year searching for its first victory like it did last season. A Week 1 win won’t solve everything, but it gives the Jets a cleaner starting point - and now a little more respect from the national conversation.
Nick Shook of the NFL’s official website bumped the Jets up two spots to No. 24 after the first full slate of games. His assessment was pointedly positive for a team that has spent plenty of time on the wrong side of those lists.
"The Jets looked like a professional, competent football team in Week 1," he states in the rankings. "Geno Smith executed consistently, and Gang Green dominated in the trenches, shutting down the Titans' offense while cruising in a game that was more lopsided than the 23-10 final score indicates."
He also singled out one of the bright spots from the opener: "Also, this is your invitation to hop onto the Adonai Mitchell bandwagon while seats are still available."
Mitchell made the kind of debut that turns heads, catching three passes for 60 yards as part of the Jets’ win. Now New York turns the page to Green Bay, carrying at least a little momentum with it.
In Other News...
Titans Fans Already Have One Big Brian Daboll Concern
The first game of Brian Dabolls Tennessee tenure did not offer much comfort for a Titans offense trying to find its footing. In the Week 1 loss to the Jets, Tennessee managed only 10 points and 195 yards, and the unit looked disconnected in key spots, especially when it came to staying on the field on third down and getting anything going on the ground.
Now the challenge gets steeper with the Eagles coming to town in Week 2, and that is where the early concern really starts to build. Daboll is still in the opening stages of trying to shape this offense, but if the same issues linger against a better opponent, the calls for faster answers are only going to grow louder, even if the long-term hope is that more time together brings a cleaner product. [Read more 🡒]
Titans Already Face One Big Concern After Another Week 1 Letdown
Another season opener came and went without a win for Tennessee, and the familiar frustration around Week 1 was only part of the problem. In their loss to the Jets, the Titans did get a promising debut from rookie linebacker Anthony Hill Jr., who led the team in tackles, but the defense had a harder time making life uncomfortable for the opposing quarterback and never really found a rhythm.
Cedric Grays injury status looms larger now as the Titans turn quickly to Philadelphia in Week 2, where the margin for error figures to be even smaller. Tennessee needs help up front and at linebacker, and Grays possible return would give the defense a much-needed boost at a time when the unit is already trying to steady itself after an uneven start. [Read more 🡒]
Titans Have A Week 2 Decision Fans Will Be Watching Closely
Anthony Hill Jr. made a strong first impression in his NFL debut, stepping into the Titans starting lineup and finishing with a team-high 16 tackles in Week 1. The rookie linebacker filled in for Cedric Gray, who was out in concussion protocol, and did more than just hold the line. He was around the ball all afternoon and even came away with a forced fumble before the call was changed to an incomplete pass on review.
Now Gray is back after clearing protocol, which creates an interesting Week 2 decision for Tennessee as it prepares to face the Philadelphia Eagles. Head coach Robert Saleh said Gray is available, and that opens the door to a linebacker rotation or a tougher choice about how the Titans want to deploy Hill after the way he handled his first start. [Read more 🡒]