PITTSBURGH — Alright, Geno.
Jets quarterback Geno Smith quieted any worries from a rough training camp with a strong 10-play opening drive during Friday night’s preseason matchup against the Steelers. After sitting out last week’s preseason opener due to an ankle issue, he appeared fully healthy and ready for the regular season during his brief stint against Pittsburgh.
Smith went 7-for-7, throwing for 65 yards and finishing the drive with a 13-yard touchdown pass to Jelani Woods, contributing to the Jets’ 17-0 victory. After that, Smith’s night was over, and backup Cade Klubnik took over duties.
While Smith and the offense put on a good show, the Jets’ starting defense also delivered solid performance. They played two full series and a part of a third without conceding any points. The Steelers didn’t have quarterback Aaron Rodgers on the field, so the Jets’ defensive display comes with a minor note of caution. Will Howard took the helm for the Steelers but struggled to make headway.
The Jets’ second-team defense grabbed two interceptions from Howard—one by safety Andre Cisco and another from cornerback Sam Womack. Given last season’s interception drought, when they didn’t manage a single one, any interceptions are noteworthy even if it’s just preseason.
Another positive for the Jets’ defense was rookie David Bailey registering his first sack in a game, bursting past Steelers tackle Broderick Jones and taking down Howard on third down, wrapping up Pittsburgh’s second series.
Despite the defensive highlights, perhaps the standout moment for Aaron Glenn’s squad was witnessing the starting offense cover 69 yards in 10 plays right from the get-go.
Smith connected with six different receivers, including an unexpected catch by guard Dylan Parham, who snagged a deflected pass. Smith also hit Adonai Mitchell for a 21-yard sideline gain and converted on two critical third downs—one a 10-yard throw to tight end Mason Taylor, and another a similar completion to Garrett Wilson that positioned the ball at the Pittsburgh 13.
New offensive coordinator Frank Reich designed a clever play-action pass, which left Woods wide open for an easy touchdown.
Following that play, Smith and the starting lineup exited the game.
This summer has been a bit of a rollercoaster for Smith in his comeback with the Jets. Some practice days went well, while others didn’t, and after missing the preseason game against the Buccaneers, doubts lingered. He addressed some of those questions on Friday night. It was just one drive, but, considering the Steelers mostly fielded their starters (except T.J. Watt), Smith demonstrated control.
Smith’s journey has been marked by highs and lows, and the Jets can expect a mix of both this season. Friday night? Definitely a high.
The Jets’ defense quickly forced a three-and-out on the Steelers’ first possession and held them to four plays on their subsequent drive.
Klubnik, a fourth-round draft pick seen as Smith’s likely backup, didn’t perform as sharply as the previous week. He faced persistent pressure—partly due to his own delay in making decisions and partly due to subpar protection, including some poor blocking from running back Kene Nwangwu leading to a sack. Klubnik also received a penalty for intentional grounding after tossing the ball out of bounds with no receiver nearby.
He managed to make a few promising plays, such as a 16-yard scramble for a first down and connecting with Isaiah Williams on a third-down pass, albeit Williams fumbled. Klubnik ended up 10-for-14 for 75 yards but was sacked twice during his five series, leaving him without points to show for it.
The second-team defense continued where the starters left off, keeping the Steelers scoreless. When Pittsburgh reached the Jets’ 14-yard line, Cisco intercepted Howard, halting the scoring threat.
The Jets sideline erupted following Cisco’s interception, fully aware of the interception concerns that have loomed over the team. Even if it’s just August, they celebrated this achievement.
Womack added a second interception just before halftime, catching Howard with 1:54 remaining. This set up Klubnik for a two-minute drill starting from the 30. However, breakdowns in protection resulted in two more sacks. They managed to reach the Steelers’ 41-yard line, but Cade York’s 59-yard field goal attempt went wide right as the half concluded.
