Nashville, Tenn.—The New York Jets clinched their first victory of the season with a 24-17 win over the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. Rookie sensation Braelon Allen, the youngest player in the NFL at just 20 years old, scored two crucial touchdowns, including a game-winning 20-yard rushing touchdown late in the fourth quarter that secured the lead for the Gang Green.
Aaron Rodgers, making his first full start for the Jets, threw for 176 yards and two touchdowns. One of his touchdown passes went to Allen, marking a memorable connection between Rodgers, the NFL’s oldest player at 40, and Allen, the youngest. After the game, Rodgers humorously noted that while this was his official first win as a Jet, it’s technically his second after participating in a preseason victory.
The Jets took advantage of key mistakes by the Titans, spoiling the home opener for Tennessee’s new head coach, Brian Callahan. The Titans, led by second-year quarterback Will Levis, were competitive until the end but couldn’t overcome their errors.
Jets defensive standout Will McDonald IV recorded three of the team’s four sacks, including a crucial one with just 23 seconds left in the game. On the ensuing fourth-and-goal from the 14-yard line, Levis’ pass to Tyler Boyd was broken up by Jets safety Tony Adams, sealing the win for the Jets.
Turnovers Prove Costly for Titans
The Jets capitalized on three Titans turnovers, turning them into 17 points. The first turnover came from an interception by Jets cornerback Brandin Echols, followed by a roughing-the-passer penalty on Titans defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons. This penalty extended a Jets drive, leading to a 12-yard touchdown pass from Rodgers to Allen that gave New York its first lead of the game early in the third quarter.
The Gang Green extended their lead to 17-10 after Irvin Charles blocked a Titans punt, setting up a 33-yard field goal from Greg Zuerlein.
Despite the Titans’ efforts to rally, with Levis orchestrating a 21-yard scramble that set up a 40-yard touchdown pass to Calvin Ridley, the Jets held firm. The game was marred for the Jets by an Achilles injury to pass rusher Jermaine Johnson.
Tennessee initially took control, leading 7-0 after the first quarter with Ridley’s 10-yard rushing touchdown. They maintained their lead into halftime with a 41-yard field goal by Nick Folk, making it 10-7.
Levis struggled with ball security, finishing with five turnovers in his first two games this season. A failed backward shovel pass to running back Tyjae Spears resulted in a fumble recovered by Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams. On the Titans’ next drive, Echols intercepted Levis’ pass on the very first play.
Jets’ Youngest Star Shines
Allen’s performance was historic, making him the youngest player to score from scrimmage in the NFL since 1930. His late-game heroics and chemistry with Rodgers offer the Jets promising prospects as they move forward in the season.
With this win, the Jets improved to 1-1, while the Titans fell to 0-2 and will look for solutions as they prepare for Week 3.
UP NEXT:
Jets: Host the New England Patriots for their home opener on Thursday night.
Titans: Face the Green Bay Packers at home next Sunday.
