Geno throws for 247 yards but Jets blow late lead

Smith also ran for 12 yards and completed one of his two two-point conversion attempts. The sacks, of which he took five, were an issue, but it was an otherwise flawless game from the veteran passer. He got particularly hot in the second half, getting points on the board in three of his four drives after the break. Smith was unfortunately sacked and lost the football on the final drive of the game, giving Detroit the win. The Jets don’t look like a team that is going to win many games this year, but it’s not because of Geno. Smith will be a viable Superflex option when he takes on the Bears next week.

Smith “added” six rushes for seven yards. Although it was not a productive day in fantasy football, it was a highly encouraging one in “real life.” At least for one game, the Jets’ blocking was 10x better than what Smith experienced in Las Vegas last season, and he took advantage by taking zero sacks and hitting several down-field passes to his talented skill corps. Three different receivers generated gains of 30-plus yards, but Omar Cooper Jr.'s was more of a catch-and-run. Unfortunately, the rookie injured his ankle in the process. Smith is going to be a “highs and lows” quarterback in even the best of years, but there is now reason to believe 2026 will not be all lows like 2025 was with the Raiders. The Packers will be a tougher opponent for the Jets’ home opener in week 2.

What this means is that Geno Smith has plenty of job security. Klubnik in the preseason completed 21 of 34, passes for 190 yards, no touchdowns, and one interception while taking four sacks. Klubnik would be a marked downgrade from Smith if the veteran misses time in 2026.

Reich has reportedly added wrinkles to the offense he deployed as head coach of the Colts and Panthers. At both of those stops his offenses were near the bottom of the league in most basic offensive metrics. Smith, meanwhile, has looked sharp as the team’s starting quarterback throughout training camp and in limited preseason snaps. He’ll look to bounce back from a nightmarish statistical 2025 season in Vegas. Jets players, including Garrett Wilson, told The Athletic that they have enjoyed the “player empowerment” that comes along with Reich’s coaching style and his offensive scheming, which leaves room for improvisation. The Jets offense could be functional as long as Smith, 35, is healthy and upright.

Smith will undoubtedly only play a series or two, but it’s confirmation he’s over the “soreness” that held him out last weekend. Smith would have reportedly played through the “injury” during the regular season, so it was never believed to be serious. Any injury is worth noting for a 35-year-old player coming off a rough, rough year, but this one is in the rear-view mirror.

NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reports that the team is not concerned about Smith’s foot soreness, writing, “if this was a regular-season game, he’d be a go.” Smith has reportedly been pushing the ball downfield in practice. Those hoping to catch a glimpse of the Jets’ passing attack will have to check back next week to see if the foot issue has been resolved. Rookie QB Cade Klubnik gets the start tonight.

Rogers said Smith in a recent camp practice challenged the Jets secondary downfield enough to open up short-area opportunities for his pass catchers. “He wants to push the ball down the field to the WRs and hopefully that opens up the quick underneath throws,” Rogers said, adding that the Jets tight ends and rookie WR Omar Cooper were functioning as the main short-area pass catchers. Coming off a disastrous 2025 campaign in Vegas, Geno will look to bounce back with the Jets this season. During his run with the Seahawks, Geno was among the league’s most accurate passers.

No charges are being brought and future action is contingent on new information or evidence being brought forward, per a police spokesman. Police were reportedly unable to determine the primary aggressor in the physical altercation. Smith’s home camera did not show any physical altercation occur between Smith and a woman. While it’s possible that there is more evidence to be seen, it seems safe to proceed as if there’s no reason to believe Smith will be held liable for whatever occurred here.

“We were informed yesterday evening that, during review, it was determined that this case is being further investigated by detectives,” the department said in a Tuesday morning statement. “It is active and we cannot release any additional information at this time.” The department had been sending mixed messages, saying it was “not an active case” but “still being reviewed.” We now know it is indeed still being investigated, leaving the situation very much up in the air. There will likely be another update before the week is through.

According to the California Post, a spokesperson for the Davie, Florida, police department said officers arrived at Smith’s residence at 4:40 PM ET on Sunday. They also noted that no one was taken into custody at the time, and there are conflicting reports on whether the situation remains under review or has been closed. The incident involves a woman named “Kristen” who claimed in a video she posted to Instagram that Geno “beat my a—" while also claiming he broke her computer. Smith can be seen in the video and is also seen speaking to police officers, but we don’t know much about the situation beyond that. The Jets have declined to comment on these reports at this time, but we’ll likely get more information on the matter in the near future. Smith joined the Jets on a one-year, $3.3 million contract this offseason and is expected to serve as the team’s QB1 in the second season under Aaron Glenn. ESPN’s Rich Cimini later reported that a police spokesperson said of the situation, “It is not an active case, but is still being reviewed before (a report) can be released.”