Jets say Geno Smith delivers 'exactly what we were looking for' in 2026 debut, so here comes the overreaction

Former New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick believes Geno Smith, as well as linebacker Demario Davis, will provide leadership qualities and more in their New York reunion.

Geno Smith played well in his New York Jets debut on Friday night and in any other town, that's going to be notable but somewhat mundane news because the starting quarterback performing at a high level in the preseason is not a promise of championships.

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.

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New 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