But because we're talking about New York, and the starving-for-glad-tidings Jets, this space warns you to prepare for what's next.Because Smith's one drive against the Pittsburgh Steelers might lead to some massive overreaction.And a lot of excitement.
And high expectations.JETS FANS BREATHE SIGH OF RELIEF AFTER PRACTICE SCARE FOR $43M STAR RUNNING BACKNew York Jets quarterback Geno Smith greets teammates before an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Friday, Aug.21, 2026, in Pittsburgh.
(AP Photo/Justin Berl)So, the Geno 2.0 public relations uproar is on.That's how it is in the Big Apple's thrill ride through the NFL season for quarterbacks who struggle in preseason practices, as Smith has done at times this summer, and then deliver a near-perfect performance in their first preseason action."Very, very efficient," Jets coach Aaron Glenn described it to reporters afterward."I mean, I think he had two third-down completions within that, threw to five different receivers within that drive.
He looked very comfortable."It was exactly what we were looking for ..."Smith is thus going to get a good dose of New York pundit love for the next few days because he had that drive in which he completed all seven of his pass attempts, including one that was tipped and caught by one of his offensive linemen.He's going to get applauded for converting a couple of third-down situations.And, of course, the 13-yard touchdown pass to Jelani Woods will be replayed as if on a loop on channels 2, 4, 5, 7 and WPIX.New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith throws during the first half of an NFL preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Friday, Aug.
21, 2026, in Pittsburgh.(AP Photo/Gene J.
Puskar)It's the New York way.So, how ya feelin' Geno?"It felt good to be out there with the guys," Smith told reporters gathered at his locker stall."You know, obviously we got one drive in, but we scored a touchdown.
You always want to start fast.so that was a good thing."But def...