After minicamp, OTAs, training camp and the preseason, the Tennessee Titans finally begin their 2026 NFL campaign on Sunday. They’ll host the New York Jets at Nissan Stadium in Week 1. Head coach Robert Saleh will officially make his debut, marking the start of a new era in Tennessee.
Coach Saleh needs multiple players to step up versus the Jets, his former team, in Week 1. We’ve identified five in particular.
Jeffery Simmons, DT
Jeffery Simmons is the best defensive tackle in the NFL. He needs to apply pressure to Jets
quarterback Geno Smith, who is a mistake-prone quarterback when under duress. Smith leads the NFL in interceptions across the 2024-25 seasons combined.
Cam Ward, QB
This entire fanbase will be monitoring Cam Ward’s progress as a sophomore quarterback. After a pair of lackluster showings in the preseason, fans want a heat-check on Ward as a quarterback. A big-time showing versus the Jets would ease any lingering concerns.
Carnell Tate, WR
Rookie No. 4 overall pick Carnell Tate will make his official regular season debut. The Titans drafted Tate for him to be Ward’s go-to playmaker. After failing to register a catch in the preseason, Titans fans want to see Ward pepper him with targets.
Alontae Taylor, CB
The Titans paid Alontae Taylor roughly $20 million per season to be the defense’s No. 1 cornerback. Taylor and the entire first-team unit struggled in the preseason, allowing multiple explosive touchdowns. He needs a better showing versus Garrett Wilson and the Jets’ potentially underrated passing attack.
Tony Pollard, RB
Tony Pollard has enjoyed four consecutive 1,000 yard seasons. The Titans’ reliable bellcow is both underrated and underappreciated. Pollard appears primed for another big season in Tennessee as the lead ball carrier. Tyjae Spears will spell him, and both backs are expected to catch more passes in Brian Daboll’s offense.
