4 biggest surprises from Jets Week 1 statement victory against Titans

The New York Jets announced on Sunday that they aren't going to be a laughing stock this season. While expectations are still low and one game doesn't prove much, it certainly feels better to leave Week 1 with a victory.

On top of that, New York had some extra motivation in the opener. Facing off against former head coach Robert Saleh and a slew of former Jets, this was the kind of game where Gang Green typically lays an egg and makes it look as if the organization itself, and not the former players and coaches, was the real problem all along.

Many of the reasons for the victory were obvious. Geno Smith was fantastic in his Jets return. Gang Green's offensive stars, Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall, showed out. David Bailey proved why he was such a coveted player in the draft.

But under the surface there were a few surprise developments that bode well for the rest of 2026.

These surprise Week 1 developments should have the New York Jets optimistic about how 2026 will play out

Dane Belton made an impact in Minkah Fitzpatrick's absence

Dane Belton was seen as a solid depth signing when the Jets inked him to a one-year, $4 million contract, but during training camp he started to show that he might be much more than quality depth. In Week 1, he continued to build that narrative.

Belton was viewed as a player with clear strengths and weaknesses coming in, but after Minkah Fitzpatrick left with an injury, he stepped into his role and became the defense's jack-of-all-trades. And he was good at it, too. Belton's 70.7 Pro Football Focus grade ranked 16th among all safeties (min. 45 snaps), and most importantly, he didn't miss a single tackle.

Aaron Glenn might not be too worried about Fitzpatrick's injury, but it's nice to know that Belton can step in and handle such an important role if need be.

Dylan Parham was dominant

Dylan Parham was regarded as the "worst" of the Jets' free-agency signings, but that's really more of a statement as to how solid Darren Mougey's additions were. Still, Parham was a bit of an upside play and certainly sits behind New York's highly regarded offensive line trio of Armand Membou, Olu Fashanu, and Joe Tippmann in the talent department.

Parham was absolutely dominant against Tennessee, especially in the run game, where his 92.9 PFF run block grade was indicative of just how well he paved the way for Hall and Braelon Allen. Making it more impressive is that he had four-time Pro Bowler Jeffrey Simmons lined up opposite him for much of the game and pretty much neutralized the star defensive tackle.

Kenyon Sadiq flashes despite limited role

Obviously, expectations are high for Kenyon Sadiq, who has the chance to be the next great matchup nightmare tight end in the league. With that said, tight end is a position with a notoriously steep learning curve for rookies, and Sadiq was behind the eight ball after missing much of training camp.

That didn't seem to matter for Sadiq, who did a little bit of everything in the game. The 21-year-old caught all three of his targets, posted a decent 62.8 run-blocking grade, and became the second tight end ever to score a rushing TD in his first career game, joining Hall of Famer Ozzie Newsome. Nothing is better than seeing such a versatile player hit the ground running off solely superior athletic ability.

Braelon Allen was a key complement to Breece Hall

If one thing was clear about New York's offensive attack under Frank Reich, it's that establishing the run will be paramount. The Jets obviously have a talented workhorse in Breece Hall, but to truly make the strategy come to life, he needs a competent running mate.

Hopes have been high for Braelon Allen since the Jets selected him in the fourth round of the 2024 draft, but outside of flashes, we haven't seen the 245-pound bruiser put it all together. Some of that has been an insistence under the previous regime to use him primarily in short-yardage situations, and some of that has been injury-related.

In Week 1, Allen showed off what he can do with 10 carries for 40 yards, but the most impressive play was the touchdown that was called back due to a Josh Myers holding penalty. On the play, the big man showcased his agility and speed to bounce to the outside and then run away from the defense. On top of that, Allen was a key in the protection on third downs, posting a 78.1 pass block grade and helping to keep Smith clean and unbothered all afternoon.

Hall will be the backfield's Batman, but if Allen is a capable Robin we might actually see a productive and efficient offense for the first time since 2015.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow