The New York Jets evened their record at 1-1 with a gritty 24-17 victory over the Titans on Sunday in Nashville. Playing their second road game in six days, the Green & White broke a fourth-quarter tie on Braelon Allen's 20-yard scoring run with 4:31 remaining and the defense made it stand in the final seconds.

The Green & White rebounded from a rough start and got contributions from all three phases in the victory as Aaron Rodgers threw TD passes to RBs Allen and Breece Hall, the defense recorded two takeaways and Irvin Charles chipped in with a blocked punt on special teams. Rodgers moved to 6-0 in his NFL career after a Week 1 loss with 16 TDs and 1 INT. Allen's game-winning score followed two critical Rodgers' connections – a 26-yarder to Garrett Wilson on third-and-1 and then a 19-yarder to Williams along the visiting sideline on second-and-16.

With the Titans desperate, QB Will Levis moved the offense to the NYJ 8. But the Jets stiffened as Will McDonald got a critical sack and S Tony Adams sealed the victory with a PD in the waning seconds. Rodgers kneeled on the final snap and the Jets celebrated in the Music City before a large contingent of fans.

“From a defensive standpoint, the D-Line is the heartbeat of our team,” HC Robert Saleh said. “We go as they go, and they just kept fighting. I thought Will McDonald was unbelievable. … We fought and we kept swinging. We knew today wasn't going to be easy with all the travel but credit our guys that they kept answering the bell.”

It was a game defensive effort for the Jets that lined up without veteran CB D.J. Reed and lost Pro Bowl edge Jermaine Johnson to an Achilles tendon injury in the third quarter. LB C.J. Mosley also missed most of the game after sustaining an injury to his right toe. McDonald had a breakthrough performance with 3 sacks as Tennessee converted on just 1 of 4 in the red zone.

Trailing, 10-7, at halftime, the Jets seized control in the third stanza. Rodgers hit Hall for a pretty 26-yard TD and that was followed by Greg Zuerlein's 33-yard field goal, giving the Jets a 17-10 advantage. But the Titans had an answer as Calvin Ridley made a sensational diving 40-yard grab off a vertical pass from Levis.

Plagued by penalties in the first half, the Jets got some good fortune when DT Jeffrey Simmons was called for roughing the passer on Rodgers. The defender's contact with the QB's helmet negated a third-down incompletion and kept a drive alive. Then Hall took over, ripping off a 30-yard run down the sideline before making like a receiver and high-pointing a 26-yard scoring toss from Rodgers. The Jets had their first lead at 14-10.

“We flashed today, and I thought we played well but we were still just a little off,” Hall said. “We are getting close and that is most exciting thing. You got to grow from the losses and the wins. It was a good win today but I still feel like I left a play or two out there and I know the O-Line are the biggest critics of themselves. So it will be cool to get in there and watch it again and learn from it and be ready for Thursday.”

Trailing, 7-0, in the second quarter, the Jets offense found its footing on a 12-play, 73-yard march that was ignited by Rodgers' 8-yard strike to Allen Lazard on third-and-8. Rodgers later connected with Wilson for a 17-yard gain before the two kept the drive going with a third-down conversion. Following the two-minute warning, Rodgers faked a short pass right and came back to rookie Allen who raced in from 12 yards out.

“I feel like all game, we were frustrated at times, but never got down on each other,” Rodgers said. “ It felt like we were supportive and positive, even though we were frustrated. I was frustrated not getting [Garrett] enough balls. And we didn't run the ball very well for the two and a half quarters. We stayed confident and defense came up with a couple really big plays in the first half to keep it at one score game.”

A week after blowing a 17-point lead against the Bears, the Titans stuck first again, against the Jets. They drove 68 yards in 9 plays, ending the 6:38 possession on Ridley's 10-yard end around past the pylon. The Jets committed three infractions on the drive as two calls were enforced and a Levis to Ridley 15-yard conversion on a third-and-5 gave the home club early momentum.

The defense took another blow in the second quarter when Mosley was carted off the field. While he was replaced in the lineup by Jamien Sherwood, the Jets stayed in the game early with a pair of takeaways. Levis panicked on a third-down red zone play, lateraling a ball in the direction of Tyjae Spears but Quincy Williams recovered for the visitors. After a Jets' three-and-out, CB Brandin Echols intercepted a long Levis force attended for Treylon Burks.

Nick Folk's 41-yard field goal gave the Titans a 10-7 lead at halftime, but the Jets were outgained 152 to 93 in the first two quarters. Rodgers and the offense totaled 265 yards but they made the plays when the game was on the line.

Key Plays and Performances

Rodgers' Clutch Performance

Despite not having his best game statistically, Rodgers showed his veteran savvy by making crucial plays when the Jets needed them most. His 26-yard pass to Garrett Wilson on third-and-1 late in the fourth quarter set up the game-winning touchdown. Rodgers also hit Mike Williams for a 19-yard gain on second-and-16, keeping the offense moving and ultimately leading to the scoring drive.

The Rise of Braelon Allen

Rookie running back Braelon Allen had a breakout performance, showcasing his versatility and athleticism. He scored two touchdowns, including the game-winning score, and showed he can be a valuable asset to the Jets offense. Allen's 20-yard touchdown run with 4:31 left in the fourth quarter was a crucial play that gave the Jets the lead for good. His touchdown catch in the second quarter was a testament to his receiving abilities, adding another dimension to the Jets' offense.

Defensive Dominance

The Jets defense was impressive, especially considering the injuries they sustained during the game. Will McDonald IV was a standout performer with three sacks, including a key sack on third-and-goal that prevented the Titans from tying the game. The Jets' defense also recorded two turnovers, which helped swing the momentum in their favor.

Looking Ahead

The Jets have a quick turnaround, facing the New England Patriots in their home opener on Thursday night. This will be a tough test for the Jets, but they will be looking to build on their momentum from Sunday's victory. They will need to continue their strong defensive play and get more consistent play from their offense if they want to come away with another win against their division rivals.

The Final Whistle

The Jets' victory over the Titans was a statement game, proving that they can overcome adversity and find ways to win. It was a team effort, with contributions from all three phases of the game. Aaron Rodgers' leadership, Braelon Allen's breakout performance, and the Jets' strong defense were key factors in the win. This victory will give the Jets confidence as they prepare for their home opener against the Patriots. The Jets are looking to make a statement this season, and Sunday's win was a good start.