The Jets got the Aaron Glenn era underway with an impressive preseason performance at Lambeau Field, as they jumped out to a big lead and held on for a comfortable 30-10 win over the Packers.
With starters from both teams in action, New York took a 7-0 lead on an opening drive 13-yard touchdown run by new quarterback Justin Fields, who completed three of four passes in his first action in a Jets uniform.
The Packers' starters came up empty on their first two possessions, but they got on the board with a field goal on their next series. The drive was keyed by back-to-back penalties for late hits out of bounds on Eric Watts and Marcelino McCrary-Ball, but that was the only blemish on a first-half defensive performance that saw the Jets hold the Packers to just 74 yards.
The lead was extended to 17-3 by halftime, as defensive tackle Jay Tufele recovered a fumble in the end zone and Harrison Mevis kicked a field goal after rookie Ja’Markis Weston recovered a muffed punt.
In the third quarter, Stone Smartt took a screen pass from Adrian Martinez 24 yards for another touchdown to make it 24-3 on a play that showcased new offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand’s play design and good blocking by Max Mitchell and Xavier Newman.
Another Mevis field goal early in the fourth quarter further extended the lead to 27-3 before the Packers scored their first touchdown with under 12 minutes to go on a 39-yard run by Amar Johnson. Mevis’ third field goal made it 30-10 with 2:56 remaining to provide the final margin.
Here are the key takeaways…
— The story of the first half was penalties, dropped passes, and fumbles. However, it was the Jets who were benefiting from these for a change. Even so, they still had eight penalties called on them in the first half. The hope is that Glenn’s team will be more disciplined and focused than the Jets have been in recent seasons.
— It was only a one-drive cameo from Fields, but he looked confident and decisive, showing off his legs on the touchdown scramble. Two of his three completions came via an unexpected source, as fullback Andrew Beck, who had been having a quiet camp, had gains of 12 and 24 yards on the drive.
— With John Simpson out, the Jets opened up with Josh Myers at center and Joe Tippmann at left guard. But moving Tippmann out of the center spot likely doesn’t mean he's losing the battle for the starting role there. Myers has no experience at guard, so this would likely be the optimum configuration if a starting guard was unavailable. When the starters exited the game, Myers tellingly remained in at center with the second unit.
— Tufele had a huge first half with 1.5 sacks in addition to his touchdown recovery. With starters Quinnen Williams and Byron Cowart unavailable, Tufele made the start alongside veteran Derrick Nnadi. However, Leonard Taylor III, whose impressive sack led to the Tufele touchdown, remains in the mix.
— Braelon Allen contributed well on offense, with 33 yards on eight first-half carries, including a 14-yard burst up the middle. However, he was disappointingly stopped short on 4th-and-1, as the second-string offensive line failed to get any push.
— Weston made a case for himself with the fumble recovery, but the real standout on special teams was Qwan’tez Stiggers, who impressively blew up one punt return and was in on the tackle on two kickoffs. The Jets need a primary gunner with Irv Charles on the PUP list, so Stiggers really helped his roster chances with this performance.
— Despite being listed behind McCrary-Ball on the unofficial depth chart, Jamin Davis made the start alongside Jamien Sherwood and Quincy Williams at linebacker, so that could be a position battle that remains undecided.
— The long Packers touchdown by Johnson in the fourth quarter was disappointing from a Jets defense that had only given up 118 yards to that point. Two undrafted rookies were at fault, as linebacker Boog Smith was pancaked and safety Dean Clark missed a tackle.
— Two undrafted rookies on offense made a positive impression, as wide receiver Quinten Skinner had a leaping 26-yard catch and running back Donovan Edwards racked up 63 yards on 10 touches, even though his 73-yard touchdown burst in the fourth quarter was called back due to a holding penalty.
— The only injury concerns for the Jets were safety Tony Adams and running back Isaiah Davis, who each limped off the field. Neither of those ailments appeared to be serious.
Highlights
Sauce Gardner breaks up the pass to force a three and out!
(via @nyjets) pic.twitter.com/Feauwci7Uu
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) August 10, 2025
Justin Fields escapes the pressure and runs it in for 6!
(via @nyjets) pic.twitter.com/VA8DwUZbRn
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) August 10, 2025
Fumble recovery in the end zone puts six more on the board for the Jets!
(via @nyjets) pic.twitter.com/uOrDiU1Do0
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) August 10, 2025
The Jets recover on a muffed punt inside the red zone 👏
(via @nyjets) pic.twitter.com/jB2cnpGzQe
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) August 10, 2025
What's next
The Jets will hold joint practices with the rival Giants on Tuesday and Wednesday, ahead of their Week 2 preseason matchup on Saturday night at MetLife Stadium.
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