New York Jets fans have high expectations for the team’s offensive line.

The young and ascending unit’s Week 1 performance was everything that the team could have hoped for.

Jets’ offensive line showed out in Week 1

In the team’s 23-10 season-opening win over the Tennessee Titans, the offensive line delivered, and they didn’t have an easy matchup.

The unit had to contain a feisty Tennessee Titans defensive line with legitimate pass-rushing juice, especially on the inside with All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffrey Simmons.

They held strong, though. Starting quarterback Geno Smith took no sacks and was hit only once.

Keep in mind, Smith’s average time to throw was 3.13 seconds, meaning the Jets’ offensive line had to hold in place for some time. Smith wasn’t just throwing quick passes or consistently checking the ball down; he was taking his time to go through his progressions, as evidenced by him spreading the ball to eight different receivers.

In particular, the right side of New York’s offensive line was elite. Right guard Joe Tippmann and right tackle Armand Membou both allowed no pressures on 28 pass-blocking snaps. That’s pretty impressive, especially given the Titans’ personnel up front.

Left guard Dylan Parham had some struggles as a pass-protector, allowing a team-high four pressures. However, he made up for it as a run blocker, earning a run-blocking grade over 90 from PFF.

Parham led the Jets’ immense success on runs to the left side of the offensive line. When running to the left, the Jets rushed 12 times for 61 yards and seven first downs.

Overall, the Jets ran for 152 yards on 39 carries, controlling the line of scrimmage throughout the game. Behind their offensive line, the Jets’ run game consistently picked up positive gains and stayed ahead of the chains.

If the offensive line can play at this level throughout the entirety of the season, not only will they be one of the league’s most improved units, but the Jets’ offense could reach new heights.

Everything started up front for the Jets’ offense on Sunday. Yes, Frank Reich’s play-calling and balance were excellent, along with Smith’s debut and the skill-position players. However, none of that is possible without the offensive line.

Investing in the offensive line in the draft or through free agency is not always attractive to fans. But it pays off down the line.

This is the level of pass protection that can let Smith play his best football. Despite a 2025 season where many of his numbers plummeted, he remained very productive from a clean pocket.

Sunday’s showing exemplified that. With strong protection, Smith did his job, leading the Jets to an efficient day on offense. He was accurate at all levels of the field, including deep, tossing a 40-yard bomb to Adonai Mitchell. Overall, Smith completed 19 of his 24 passing attempts (79.2%) for 215 yards (9.0 yards per attempt) and zero touchdowns or interceptions.

It all starts up front, and Week 1 showed just how far this offense can go when the team wins there.