5 Jets who could see the fanbase turn on them in Week 1 vs. Titans

The New York Jets are ready to reload for the 2026 season, as they will try to show that Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey can build a winner by kicking off the campaign against former head coach Robert Saleh and the Tennessee Titans.

The Jets, unfortunately, are in a position where they need to prove they are different from many of the dysfunctional messes this franchise has laid before its jaded fanbase over the years.

This quintet of Jets has the ability to take this team to the next level if they thrive, but they could also weigh on this squad like an anchor should they struggle.

5 New York Jets players who must prove themselves in Week 1 vs. Titans

5. S Andre Cisco

Cisco came back to the Jets despite a terrible 2025 season, and he appears to have a role in their new-look defense due to this team's belief in his ball-hawking ability. Trusting Cisco is a high-risk proposition at this point in his career.

If Cisco looks like he did under Steve Wilks, expect more defensive shortcomings if he is not sent to the bench in favor of a younger player like Malachi Moore. The first big play he lets up is sure to get fans steaming.

4. WR Adonai Mitchell

Jets fans love Mitchell right now due to his dominant training camp, and he is poised to be locked in as the No. 2 wide receiver to begin the season. However, the idea of what Mitchell could be has always been superior to what he is at this moment in time.

The former Texas star and Colts draft pick needs to start putting rubber to the road, especially now that he has NFL-caliber quarterback play. More bad drops and middling production could leave him in the same spot he was in Indianapolis.

3. EDGE Will McDonald

McDonald has seemingly fallen down the depth chart amid this coaching staff's apparent frustration with his poor run defense, but an injury to Joseph Ossai could give him a chance to play an impactful role in Week 1.

While David Bailey is locked in as an immutable part of the team's future, McDonald will be competing head-to-head with Kingsley Enagbare for a prime spot on the depth chart. Will McDonald waste this opportunity? If he does, the fanbase will not be thrilled.

2. OC Frank Reich

Even with a 3-14 head coach at the helm in Aaron Glenn, Reich may be the coach with the most to prove due to how long he has been out of the pro game. 2021 NFL football vs. 2026 is a completely different sport, and that was the last time Reich's offenses scared opposing teams.

Jets players like Garrett Wilson seem to be big fans of this new scheme, but Reich could fall out of favor if he appears to be a bit behind the times.

1. QB Geno Smith

The Jets' success in 2026 will likely be determined by which Smith they get. If they get the guy from the Raiders last year, fans can expect tons of ill-fated turnovers and bad sacks taken on the road to another losing season.

If they get the guy who thrived in Seattle, Smith and their collection of offensive chips could make for perhaps the most efficient Jets offense in years.

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