Robert Saleh is set to open his Titans tenure on Sunday, and the first test comes with the New York Jets rolling into Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season. The matchup gives Tennessee an immediate chance to see whether a remodeled defense can start delivering the kind of takeaways Saleh wants.
That defensive overhaul was built to match Saleh’s vision. General manager Mike Borgonzi leaned into it, and Saleh got room to reshape the defensive line with players he had coached before, including Jermaine Johnson II, John Franklin-Myers, Solomon Thomas, Jacob Martin, and Jordan Elliott. The idea is clear: make this a more disruptive unit right away.
Turnovers are the big storyline here. Tennessee finished 2025 at -5 in turnover differential, managed only 14 takeaways, and tied for fourth-last in the NFL in that category.
The Titans also picked off just six passes, third-fewest in the league. That’s the number this new-look defense is supposed to attack.
The opponent could help. Geno Smith arrives as the Jets’ new starting quarterback, and the ball is going to be in the air often.
Smith led the league with 17 interceptions in 2025 despite playing only 15 games. In 2024, his 15 interceptions were tied for second-most in the NFL.
He has a clear willingness to challenge tight windows, which can create opportunities for a defense that’s hunting mistakes.
New York certainly has enough firepower to make that approach dangerous. Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall are established playmakers, and the Jets also spent two first-round picks on rookie pass catchers Kenyon Sadiq and Omar Cooper Jr.
On top of that, they’re expecting Mason Taylor and Adonai Mitchell to keep developing. Smith will be asked to keep slinging it.
Saleh has been here before, too. His San Francisco 49ers defense also struggled to generate interceptions last season and tied Tennessee with six. The Titans are hoping additions like Cor’Dale Flott and Alontae Taylor can change that, while safety Amani Hooker will look to rebound after finishing 2025 with zero interceptions following a career-high five in 2024.
For Tennessee, the formula is simple enough: bring Saleh’s aggressive style, speed up the quarterback, and cash in when Smith gets reckless. Week 1 offers a direct chance to see whether the new approach can finally pay off in the turnover column.
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Titans Secondary Just Got A Late Addition Worth Watching Closely
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Robert Saleh and the Titans may have to lean on James Williams and Anthony Hill if Gray cannot go, and both young linebackers would be stepping into a meaningful early opportunity. How Tennessee handles that spot will say plenty about where the defense stands right now, because the answer is not just about replacing one player but about how quickly the next man up can absorb the job without losing the middle of the field. [Read more 🡒]
Cam Ward Faces The First Real Test Of The Titans Rebuild
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Sundays home opener against the Jets should tell Tennessee a lot about where Ward is in that process. It is one thing to show growth in camp and preseason settings, but a regular-season test at home will reveal how he handles pressure, how far the supporting cast has come and whether the Titans offense is ready to give the rebuild some traction. For a team trying to find its footing, the early returns on Ward could shape the whole conversation. [Read more 🡒]