The New York Jets erased the disappointment lingering from their Monday night loss to the San Francisco 49ers by pulling out an AFC road win over the Tennessee Titans in Week 2.
While starters Jermaine Johnson and CJ Mosley suffered injuries, the Jets' defense stood tall and denied Will Levis and the Titans from pulling even late in the 24-17 victory. New York quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw two touchdown passes and completed his first win in Green & White.
"It feels great. Been a long time coming," said Rodgers after the victory. "These are kind of the games you look back on late in the season and be thankful that you won these. Because if we want to be a great team, we got to win in these types of environments against teams like that."
The results helped lift the Jets up two spots in The Sporting News NFL Week 3 power rankings. Moving up from No. 13, New York sits at No. 11 overall in between the No. 10 Green Bay Packers and the No. 12 Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Jets stand as the second-highest ranked AFC East team across the NFL landscape. The Buffalo Bills, who have won four consecutive division titles, hold the No. 3 overall ranking.
From NFL power rankings:
11. New York Jets 1-1 (13)
The Jets went into Tennessee and went about their business as expected, with Aaron Rodgers becoming a steady complementary piece to the dedicated running game and dominant defense. Now, they'll have to prove they are readier for prime time with the Patriots next on a short week. — Vinnie Iyer
The Jets can strengthen their standing as an AFC East contender on Thursday, September 19. New York will host the rival New England Patriots for its home opener on a short week. The Jets have lost their last eight home meetings against New England. The last win came on December 27, 2015. New York (-6.5) is the betting favorite for the second week in a row.
More New York Jets News:
• Jets' Week 2 game balls go to gunner, edge rusher and rookie RB
• Three Jets' defensive starters on mend, RB Breece Hall lands on injury report
• Aaron Rodgers shares moment with Jets' teammate after Achilles tear
• Jets' veteran compares real deal rookie to All-Pro after two-touchdown day
• WATCH: Jets RB Breece Hall goes full Garrett Wilson for touchdown vs. Titans
