New York – In his first preseason appearance for the New York Jets on Friday night, quarterback Geno Smith delivered a flawless seven‑pass drive against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Coach Aaron Glenn described the performance as “very, very efficient” and said it was exactly the kind of start the team hoped for.

Smith completed every pass, including a tipped ball that was caught by an offensive lineman, and finished the drive with a 13‑yard touchdown to wide receiver Jelani Woods. The drive featured two third‑down conversions and passes to five different receivers, showcasing Smith’s comfort and poise in the pocket.

Teammates and media react

Backup quarterback Cade Klubnik expressed enthusiasm, saying the team was “fired up” for Smith and that the drive offered a glimpse of a strong season ahead. Media outlets in the New York market are expected to replay the touchdown repeatedly over the coming days.

Smith himself remained modest, noting that while the drive was a positive start, there is “a lot of room for improvement” and that the team will continue to work hard in practice.

Context and history

This appearance follows Smith’s earlier stint with the Jets from 2013 to 2016, which ended after a 2015 incident in which teammate IK Enemkpali punched him, breaking his jaw. That episode turned his first tenure into a cautionary tale. The current drive, however, offers a hopeful contrast and suggests a different trajectory for the veteran quarterback.

Analysts caution that preseason performances do not guarantee regular‑season success, especially against a Steelers defense that was missing several key players such as T.J. Watt and Jalen Ramsey. Nonetheless, the positive signs have energized both fans and the organization.

Smith concluded by saying, “I just feel like we can be a lot better,” underscoring his confidence in the team’s potential as the regular season approaches.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.