The New York Jets got off to a great start in the Aaron Glenn era. In their preseason-opening win against the Green Bay Packers, both sides of the ball scored and excelled.
There was plenty to look at in a positive light for New York on Saturday night.
It’s time to break down exactly what we learned through their first test under Glenn’s tutelage in Lambeau Field.
5 things Jets preseason opener told
It was as strong a start as you could ask for when it comes to Glenn’s coaching ability on the Jets roster. New York saw standout plays in all three phases and touchdowns scored on both offense and defense.
That wasn’t the only thing we learned, though.
1. Tanner Engstrand’s system works…so far
New York is going to be a run-first football team. That isn’t breaking news. What the Jets will need from starting quarterback Justin Fields, though, is smart decision-making and decisiveness at the quarterback position.
That is precisely what happened.
On his lone drive of the game, Fields completed 3-of-4 passes for 42 yards while avoiding any sacks, capping it off with a 13-yard touchdown scramble. As impressive as the entire drive from Fields was, it showed more from offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand than anything else.
Saturday was a good test to see that not only does Engstrand’s offensive play-calling work, but it can put a deficient quarterback like Fields in a position to succeed.
2. Jets’ penalty problem isn’t solved
Over the last two seasons, New York was the most penalized team in football. Last season, Aaron Glenn’s Detroit Lions defense ranked directly behind the Jets’ defense when it came to penalties.
That left for an ugly mixture on Saturday.
The Jets were called for 10 penalties, mostly coming on the defensive side of the ball. From the starters to the backups, it was a very undisciplined day from the entire unit, and something that was supposed to be solved when Glenn entered the fray as head coach.
Clearly, the team has a long way to go in that regard.
3. Offensive line can control a game
The biggest winner on Saturday was the Jets’ offensive line, and it really wasn’t close. New York’s starters were only in for a single drive, but owned the line of scrimmage at an impressive rate against a good Packers defense that had its starters on the field.
The Jets’ offensive line looked like it could end up being a top-five group this year when fully healthy – and that was with starting left guard John Simpson sidelined. It was the kind of performance that should instill confidence in new offensive line coach Steve Heiden.
Making the news even better was the fact that seventh-overall pick Armand Membou did not give up a pressure in any of his 10 pass-blocking reps. That alone should thrill New York’s development team.
4. Run defense will be much better
Last season, the Jets fielded a below-average run defense. The scheme was a big reason for that. New York’s wide-nine approach made things difficult for the unit, putting the defensive line in a tough position.
That didn’t appear to be the case in the first game under Glenn and new defensive coordinator Steve Wilks. In the first half of action, the Jets gave up under four yards per carry.
That is the kind of number that shows the change in scheme should lead to major improvements along the defensive line.
5. Sauce Gardner is still elite
Despite being called for a penalty early in the game, the Packers tested Sauce Gardner early and often on Saturday. He answered the call consistently with two pass breakups on the opening drive.
Gardner also looked aggressive as he engaged in a stop against the run.
New York needs Gardner to play at an elite level for the 2025 season. He has looked that way in camp, and showed glimpses of it during Saturday’s exhibition contest.