Geno Smith already changing his Jets vibes with calming command leading to optimism

It took just one drive for the vibes around Geno Smith to change.Text with Brian Costello all season as he brings Sports+ subscribers the latest Jets intel from on the field and off.

After missing the preseason opener with a sore ankle, he saw his first game action during the Jets’ 17-0 preseason win over the Steelers on Friday night in Pittsburgh.And amid outside concerns that have arisen during an unconvincing training camp, he delivered perfection.

Smith went 7-for-7 for 65 yards on his one and only drive, capping it off with a 13-yard touchdown pass to Jelani Woods.Rather than the question marks that hovered over him the past few weeks, there’s now a bit more optimism.“I have a good vision of where we’re gonna be,” right guard Joe Tippmann said Saturday.“We’re definitely not there yet, but in practice and seeing Geno for the first time in-game, it just got me really excited about what we can do.

The way he holds himself, the way he carries himself, his composure while we’re in the huddle — that’s been in practice and in the games — that’s something that just impresses me.I think it comes from his experiences in the league and the ups and downs he’s been through in his career.

It gets me excited for this offense.”Smith completed passes to six receivers and converted two third downs during his drive.“It was exciting to see him out there and see him throwing the ball well,” tight end Mason Taylor, who caught a 10-yard pass from Smith on the drive, said Saturday.“I think he did a pretty damn good job.“He has a great leadership role.

He’s demanding; he knows what he wants.I think that’s great from a quarterback.

Just being on the same page as him, he’s motivating in times like that.On third downs, when we need conversions, he’s always hyping our guys up, getting us on the right page to do our best.”That last part — Smith’s leadership — was as big a takeaway for his teammates as was his actual production.

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