Tennessee Titans prepare new defensive scheme for opening game against Jets

Head coach Robert Saleh debuts his defensive system with the Tennessee Titans this Sunday as the team hosts the New York Jets in their 2026 NFL season opener. General manager Mike Borgonzi retooled the roster by acquiring defensive linemen Jermaine Johnson II, John Franklin-Myers, Solomon Thomas, Jacob Martin, and Jordan Elliott to fit Saleh's aggressive approach. The team aims to improve on a 2025 performance that yielded only 14 takeaways and a negative-five turnover differential. They face a New York Jets offense led by quarterback Geno Smith, who threw a league-high 17 interceptions last season. Tennessee will also rely on secondary additions Cor’Dale Flott and Alontae Taylor to bolster coverage. Smith retains playmakers such as Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall, alongside rookies Kenyon Sadiq and Omar Cooper Jr., to test the new Tennessee defensive front.

• 1:30 PMYahoo Sports — Can new-look Titans defense force Jets QB Geno Smith into mistakes?