The New York Jets had the Green Bay Packers right where they wanted them. A 17-7 lead at home, the crowd behind them, the defense flying around making plays. And they let it slip away. That is the story of this game, and it stings for a Jets team still trying to figure out how to win.

These are the games New York has to find a way to close out. This is a team that needs to learn how to win. This is a head coach in Aaron Glenn who needs to learn how to win. The Jets had plenty of chances, and they just couldn’t get it done. Falling to the Packers in overtime after holding that kind of lead is tough to swallow, no matter how you slice it.

Despite the tough ending to the day, there are a few winners from the Jets’ outing, and of course some losers as well. 

Winners

Defensive Line

I thought the Jets defense played very well. Did they mess some things up at times? Sure. But three fumble recoveries, three sacks on Jordan Love, and several pass breakups tell the story of a unit that came out with a different energy this season. You can just tell there’s something different about this group in 2026.

The conditions weren’t great, and still, holding Green Bay to 20 points, a 20 that the Packers had to get in overtime, is impressive. The defense gave this team every opportunity to win. The offense just couldn’t hold up its end of the bargain.

Jowon Briggs, David Bailey, and Kingsley Enagbare each recorded a sack on the day. They were making life very uncomfortable at times for Packers QB Jordan Love. The Jets also only gave up 63 rushing yards on 18 carries. That line was getting an excellent push against the Packers and made them one dimensional for most of the afternoon. 

Harrison Phillips also recorded a fumble recovery. 

Geno Smith 

Another winner in this game was quarterback Geno Smith. I thought he actually played well. He showed his mobility, didn’t put the ball in harm’s way too often, and got the ball to his playmakers. He probably got away with one pass that could have been picked by Javon Bullard, but overall, it was a solid performance.

The passing attack through two games has shown some life. Frank Reich and Geno seem to be building a good chemistry so far. If Geno can continue to keep the ball out of harm’s way and extend plays they should be just fine. 

Wide Receivers

It is so nice to see some help on the perimeter around Garrett Wilson. Garrett had a solid day recording a touchdown but AD Mitchell and Isaiah Williams chipped in as well. I wish they were able to get TE Kenyon Sadiq the ball more as well but there are actually weapons now in this offense.

The good thing about AD Mitchell is that he can beat you all over the field, which pairs well with Wilson. Geno clearly shows trust in the weapons that he has. 

Losers

Offensive Line

It was a tale of two halves for the Jets offensive line today; a group that I am very high on. They could not establish a run game at all which cost them just like it did the Packers. The pass protection held up at times, with Geno Smith helping to keep plays alive. 

However, in overtime, the Jets front got beaten up by the Packers pass rushers. It was the worst time for it and just a sad ending for that position group today. They must establish a run game to take some pressure off of Geno Smith. The missed 4th and One on the handoff to Braelon Allen was a play that stuck out to me. It was almost emblematic of the run game for today’s contest. 

Special Teams Coverage

The Jets kick and punt coverage was not good against the Packers. They let Skyy Moore gash them in both areas and it cost them mightily as Green Bay had some solid field position to work with. The NFL often comes down to the little things in these tight margins and the Jets may have been able to walk away with the win if they could’ve covered kicks.

On the other hand, Jason Sanders did his job today in the Jets kicking battle. 

The run game

Breece Hall was able to be much more effective as a pass catcher against Green Bay than he was as a runner. Braelon Allen didn’t add much to be desired as well. A lot of this can be attributed to the offensive line’s struggles on the ground, but the Jets failed to move the ball at all in the trenches. 

Green Bay has never been known as a great run defense and in a game with rainy conditions like today’s the Jets were not able to capitalize. 

1-1 isn’t the end of the world

Look, 1-1 is nothing to be upset about. I think oftentimes we expect the Jets to be 0-2, so there’s no reason to panic here. But it’s the way this one happened that makes it sting. They’re  at home. The crowd was there. The energy was there. They had a 10-point lead and couldn’t close.

The Jets have to figure out how to win these games against teams like the Packers. The defense is doing its part. If New York can get the run game going and the offensive line can hold up when it matters most, this team has the pieces to compete. They just have to prove they can finish.