The NFL Schedule makers did not miss on making sure that the Titans season starts off with some spice in 2026.
The Titans will face the New York Jets in a week one showdown that compiles of old friends now new foes. Former Ney York Jets HC and now Titans HC Robert Saleh even shared his thoughts regarding the personal matchup.
New York Jets superfan Fireman Ed made an appearance on "The Jake Asman Show" this week while attending the 40th Annual Marty Lyons Foundation Celebrity Golf Classic. During the interview, he shared an interesting story involving Tennessee Titans head coach Robert Saleh.
According to Fireman Ed, he was told about a conversation that took place while Saleh was in Lake Tahoe, where the Titans coach reportedly expressed confidence about an upcoming matchup with the Jets.
"I got a little birdie who was out in Tahoe that told me that Saleh said, 'They were gonna beat our [expletive].' That came directly from Saleh. I can't say who said it to me, but he said, 'We are gonna beat their [expletive].' I said oh baby, put that on the board," Fireman Ed told Jake Asman.
Saleh has always been known around the league to not hide his emotions or mince words when bullets begin to fly. Whether this is cockiness or confidence, Robert Saleh is ready to face his former squad.
Robert Saleh responds
In a Thursday morning press conference, a reporter asked Saleh about the rumored remarks. Saleh had this to say in response:
"I must've had over a thousand fan interactions at that event, so who knows? But isn't that the objective anyway? I don't think the Jets are coming here Week 1 to sit at the 50-yard line, roast marshmallows and talk about our summers. We're getting after it, they're getting after it. May the best team win."
Week 1 was already shaping up to be one of the most intriguing games on the NFL calendar, but now there's even more fuel on the fire. Robert Saleh returns to face the franchise that fired him midway through the 2024 season, adding an undeniable revenge storyline to the Titans-Jets opener. The familiarity doesn't stop with Saleh, either, as several players on both rosters will line up against their former teams with plenty to prove.
For two franchises looking to turn the page, this game is about far more than just the first win of the season. Both the Titans and Jets enter 2026 in the midst of rebuilding under new direction, making a fast start critical. A Week 1 victory could set the tone, build confidence, and create momentum before each team's schedule becomes significantly more challenging. When these teams meet, expect emotions to run high and neither side to be lacking motivation. Is it Week one yet? Get your popcorn ready...
Jericho has been following the Tennessee Titans for as long as he can remember and loves breaking down the roster, analyzing the game, and covering everything from training camp battles to Sundays in the fall. Current favorite player? Gunnar Helm. Beyond football, Jericho is first a follower of Jesus Christ, a devoted husband, and a proud dog dad to an Australian Shepherd.
