Three takeaways from Jets' Week 2 win over Titans
Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) walks off the field after a game against the Tennessee Titans in Nashville, Tenn., on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. Credit: AP/John Amis
1. The Rodgers effect
It’s been a long time since the Jets had a quarterback who commands the huddle the way Aaron Rodgers does. He has the faith and confidence of everyone in the huddle and on the sideline. In close games, the Jets believe the four-time MVP will lead them.
That’s exactly what he did during the Jets’ winning drive in their 24-17 victory over the Titans on Sunday in Tennessee. The score was tied at 17 when the offense took the field with 8:41 left. Rodgers went 5-for-5 for 60 yards, connecting with four different receivers.
Rookie running back Braelon Allen ran it in from the 20 to put the Jets ahead, but it was Rodgers’ poise and leadership that helped put them in that position.
2. Offense coming together
This looked much better than Monday night in San Francisco, when only three Jets touched the ball when Rodgers was in the game. Seven different players caught passes from Rodgers on Sunday, and there were some good play designs.
On Allen’s first touchdown, a screen pass that he took for 12 yards to the house, he and Breece Hall were lined up in the backfield. Hall motioned to the right and Rodgers faked the pass before turning and throwing to Allen. After Allen scored, Rodgers turned and pointed at offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett. It was a personnel grouping that Rodgers mentioned to Hackett during the week. They used it and it worked. Robert Saleh said the Jets feel as if they can score “every time we touch the ball” and “it’s going to look beautiful when it all comes together.”
3. Defense steps up
There were moments when it looked as if the Titans would run on the Jets the way the 49ers did. Tennessee had some explosive plays and was helped by three personal fouls on the Jets, although the roughing-the-passer call on Jermaine Johnson was very questionable. The defense came up with two turnovers, though. Will McDonald had three sacks, including the big one with less than 30 seconds left, and they got a turnover on downs to end the game.
But there are concerns about the unit now that Johnson is believed to have suffered a torn Achilles. His season likely is over. C.J. Mosley suffered a toe injury and his status for Thursday night’s game against the Patriots is up in the air. The Jets can’t go too long with McDonald, Micheal Clemons, Takk McKinley and Braiden McGregor playing the edge. They need to get something done with Haason Reddick — quickly — and have him end his holdout.
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
