In Week 2 of the 2024 NFL season, the New York Jets secured a 24-17 victory over the Tennessee Titans, with quarterback Aaron Rodgers earning his first win as the Jets’ starting quarterback. Rodgers threw for 176 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing his veteran poise. At 40 years old, Rodgers connected with 20-year-old running back Allen for one of those scores, marking a unique moment where the NFL’s oldest and youngest players combined for a touchdown. Allen’s score was historic, as he became the youngest player to score a TD from scrimmage in the NFL since 1930.
The Jets (1-1) spoiled the home opener for first-year Titans head coach Brian Callahan. Tennessee’s offense, led by second-year quarterback Will Levis, was moving well but ultimately stumbled due to two critical turnovers that swung the momentum in New York’s favor. Levis, who now has five turnovers through six quarters this season, put the Titans in a difficult spot with a pair of miscues that New York capitalized on.
The turning point of the game came late in the fourth quarter. With Tennessee (0-2) driving for a potential game-tying touchdown, Jets linebacker Will McDonald IV sacked Levis for the third time in the game with 23 seconds remaining, setting up a crucial fourth-and-goal. Levis’ final pass to Tyler Boyd was broken up by Jets safety Tony Adams, sealing the win for New York.
Mistakes plagued the Titans throughout the contest. The Jets capitalized on 17 points off turnovers and penalties. The first came when Brandin Echols intercepted Levis, and later, a roughing-the-passer penalty on Titans’ Pro Bowl defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons extended a Jets drive, leading to Rodgers’ first touchdown pass and a 14-10 lead early in the third quarter.
Later, Jets receiver Irvin Charles blocked a punt by Titans punter Ryan Stonehouse, resulting in a 33-yard Greg Zuerlein field goal that extended the Jets’ lead to 17-10. Despite a spirited effort by Levis, who tied the game at 17 with a 21-yard scramble followed by a 40-yard touchdown pass to Calvin Ridley, the Titans couldn’t maintain their momentum.
Tennessee’s first-quarter offense looked sharp as they opened the game with a creative play call. Wide receiver Calvin Ridley took a handoff and ran 10 yards for his first career rushing touchdown, giving the Titans an early 7-0 lead. The Jets responded with a 12-play, 73-yard drive, culminating in Rodgers’ touchdown pass to Allen to tie the game at 7.
The Titans briefly regained the lead, heading into halftime up 10-7 after a 41-yard field goal from veteran kicker Nick Folk. However, New York’s second-half surge, sparked by Tennessee’s mistakes, shifted the game for good. Levis’ ill-advised attempt at a backward shovel pass to running back Tyjae Spears resulted in a Quinnen Williams fumble recovery, and the Titans’ next drive ended just as quickly when Echols picked off a pass intended for Treylon Burks.
Rodgers efficiently led the Jets offense, and in the closing moments, he knelt down to secure his first victory in a Jets uniform. His leadership and the young talent surrounding him—particularly the standout connection with Allen—gave Jets fans reason to hope as the team leveled its record at 1-1.
Meanwhile, the Titans dropped to 0-2, and questions remain about Levis’ decision-making as turnovers continue to haunt Tennessee. Coach Callahan will look for answers as his team prepares for Week 3, still in search of their first win of the season.
