Dane Belton's impact for the Jets will be in spotlight after Minkah Fitzpatrick injury

The New York Jets came away with a dominating 23-10 win over the Tennessee Titans in Week 1. Despite the victory, it doesn't mean they weren't hit by injuries, as safety Minkah Fitzpatrick left the game in the first quarter with a groin injury.

NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported on Tuesday morning that Fitzpatrick is set to miss at least two to three weeks with the injury, meaning the former All-Pro won't be going on injured reserve. Positive, all things considered.

That was unfortunate since he's poised to play a huge role in New York's defense, but with Fitzpatrick dealing with an injury, fellow safety Dane Belton will likely play a massive role for this unit. And it was already shown in the win over the Titans.

Dane Belton could make major impact for New York Jets after Fitzpatrick injury

When speaking to the media on Monday, head coach Aaron Glenn shouted out Belton for stepping up in Fitzpatrick's absence.

"I give a lot of credit to Dane because of the way he came in and operated. "

Aaron Glenn

Glenn added that Belton played the role Fitzpatrick would have had and lined up all over the field, per Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic.

There was even a portion of the game when Jarvis Brownlee left with an injury, and Belton lined up in the slot for the Jets. His versatility was on full display in this contest, and his impact was an underrated factor in the defense's performance.

Belton played in 50 defensive snaps, taking snaps in the box, slot, and free safety. According to Pro Football Focus, he finished with a 75.8 overall grade, a 71.9 coverage grade, and a 63 run defense grade.

One of the biggest strengths that Belton brought to New York was being a sound tackler and attacking downhill. Both of those things have remained true, and the fact that the coaching staff trusted him to play in Fitzpatrick's role shows how highly they view him.

He started the game across from Fitzpatrick, but with the former dealing with a groin injury, there's a great shot that Belton will be thrust into a bigger part of the game plan. Throughout the summer, he was in a battle with Andre Cisco, but from all accounts, he was the better and more consistent player.

There's no telling how Glenn will fully utilize Belton, yet there's no question he will be all over the field. His ability to wear multiple hats is going to be something that's leaned on and will put him in different positions to make plays.

In four seasons with the Giants, Belton appeared in 66 games (22 starts), logging 240 total tackles, 16 pass deflections, six interceptions, and eight tackles for loss. He was a rotational piece during his time there, but quickly, in his Jets run, he will likely be a big part of the defensive game plan. And that should have the Iowa product excited for what he can do.

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