The New York Jets defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 17-0 on Friday, as Geno Smith’s efficient cameo and a stifling defense led the way.
The New York Jets shut out the Pittsburgh Steelers 17-0 on Friday night at Acrisure Stadium, using a sharp debut from quarterback Geno Smith and a relentless defensive effort to secure their first preseason win. Smith, making his preseason debut after recovering from an ankle injury, completed his only drive with a 13-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jelani Woods, and the Jets’ defense never allowed the Steelers to cross midfield in the second half. The loss drops Pittsburgh to 1-1 in the preseason, while New York evens its record at 1-1.
Jets’ Efficient Offense and Opportunistic Defense
The Jets wasted no time establishing control. Smith, starting under center, led a crisp opening drive that culminated in the touchdown to Woods, capping a one-drive cameo that signaled his ankle is fully healed. Backup quarterback Cade Klubnik took over from there, completing 10 of 14 passes for 75 yards and connecting with wide receiver Quincy Skinner Jr. on a 31-yard touchdown in the third quarter. Skinner finished as the team’s leading receiver with four catches for 47 yards and a score, while running back Chip Trayanum chipped in 20 yards on six carries.
Defensively, the Jets were relentless. Defensive end Nate Lynn recorded two sacks, and linebacker Jordan Clark led the team with six total tackles. Kicker Jason Sanders added a 39-yard field goal in the second quarter to give the Jets a 10-0 halftime lead. The defense held Pittsburgh to just 149 total yards and forced multiple punts, setting up short fields for the offense.
Steelers’ Offensive Struggles Continue
For the Steelers, the preseason has been a tale of two weeks. After scoring 28 points in their opener, the offense was blanked by the Jets. Quarterback Drew Allar, competing for a backup role, completed 11 of 23 passes for 110 yards with no touchdowns and was sacked twice. Kaleb Johnson paced the ground game with 39 yards on 10 carries, while tight end Lake McRee led all receivers with 46 yards on two catches. The Steelers’ young quarterbacks, including Will Howard, combined for two interceptions, four sacks, and zero points, raising concerns about the team’s quarterback depth.
Defensively, the Steelers kept the game close early, thanks to linebacker Elandon Roberts, who had five total tackles, and defensive lineman Carson Bruener, who recorded a sack. But the offense’s inability to sustain drives left the defense on the field too long, and the Jets capitalized in the second half.
Turning Point: Geno Smith’s Opening Drive
The game’s decisive moment came on the Jets’ first possession. Smith, playing his first snaps of the preseason, methodically moved the offense downfield, capping the drive with a 13-yard touchdown pass to Jelani Woods. The score gave the Jets an early 7-0 lead and set the tone for the rest of the game. Pittsburgh’s offense, which had shown promise in Week 1, failed to respond, going three-and-out on its first two drives. The Jets’ defense fed off the momentum, and the Steelers never recovered.
What It Means for Both Teams
For the Jets, the win is a confidence booster, but the bigger story is Smith’s health. His efficient outing suggests he’s ready for the regular season, though the team may choose to rest him in the preseason finale. The Jets still have concerns, with Michael Pittman Jr., DK Metcalf, and several other key players listed as questionable. Finding a consistent No. 2 receiver opposite Garrett Wilson remains a priority, and Skinner’s performance provides a promising option.
For the Steelers, the shutout is a red flag. The quarterback competition between Will Howard and Drew Allar has been underwhelming, and the offense’s inability to score is a concern heading into the final preseason game. The Steelers will look to regroup against the Buffalo Bills on Thursday, where they’ll need better production from their signal-callers to secure a roster spot.
Key Takeaways
- Geno Smith threw a 13-yard touchdown pass in his preseason debut, proving his ankle is healthy.
- Quincy Skinner Jr. led the Jets with 4 catches for 47 yards and a score.
- Nate Lynn recorded 2 sacks for the Jets’ defense.
- Drew Allar completed 11 of 23 passes for 110 yards but failed to score.
- The Jets’ defense held the Steelers to zero points and 149 total yards.
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