11 instant reactions to Jets' preseason win over Steelers

The New York Jets picked up their first win of the preseason Friday night with a shutout victory on the road against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Geno Smith made his preseason debut; the Jets hauled in TWO, count 'em TWO interceptions, and we got several new additions doing their best Mory Bamba impressions. (Outstanding performances from players fans barely knew existed.)

Throughout the preseason contest, several things stood out the most, and we've compiled them here for your Saturday morning viewing.

Instant takeaways from Jets' up-and-down performance in the preseason opener

1. Good to see you again, Geno Smith. The veteran quarterback's preseason debut did not disappoint, and he led the Jets on a 10-play, 69-yard touchdown drive to open the game. He completed passes to six different receivers (including LG Dylan Parham) and looked smooth in his first game donning the Green & White since 2016.

2. Speaking of Smith's opening drive, his touchdown pass went to Jelani Woods, the fourth tight end on the Jets' depth chart. The ex-Colts draft pick has been slowly carving out a role for himself this offseason, and it seems like he's making a push to make the 53-man roster. It certainly doesn't hurt that he managed to find himself on the field with the first-team offense.

3. It seems the starting safety job across from Minkah Fitzpatrick is officially Dane Belton's to lose. He was on the field when the defense first took the field and made four tackles in limited action. His rise throughout training camp clearly hasn't gone unnoticed.

4. Welcome to the NFL, David Bailey! The No. 2 overall pick recorded his first professional sack Friday night, beating starting Steelers right tackle Broderick Jones to bring down Will Howard. Bailey continued his offseason dominance, recording two pressures and the single sack on 12 sacks.

5. The Jets' starting defense was on the field for the first three possessions of the game, which is... somewhat concerning? Maybe Aaron Glenn was seeing something he didn't like from the first-stringers and kept them out there to get some extra reps.

6. With Breece Hall sidelined and Braelon Allen exiting the game when the Jets' first-string offense came off the field, Kene Nwangwu saw seven carries at RB for New York, and it feels like that should not be happening. The All-Pro returner has appeared in only 14 of 34 possible games with the Jets, and they should be focused on keeping him healthy for the regular season.

7. For the first time since Malachi Moore intercepted Kyle McCord in August 2025, the New York Jets recorded an interception. Andre Cisco and Samuel Womack each picked off Steelers quarterback Will Howard in the first half, sparking plenty of excitement from the Jets sideline. It's clearly been a point of emphasis throughout training camp.

8. It's starting to feel like the Jets no longer have a competition at kicker. Cade York missed a 59-yard field goal right before the half, and former All-Pro Jason Sanders drilled his lone attempt from 39 yards to give the Jets a 10-0 lead early in the second half. York just isn't consistent enough to be trusted by the coaching staff.

9. Rookie quarterback Cade Klubnik had a middling performance, failing to lead the Jets offense on any scoring drives in five total series. The blame can't be placed on Klubnik, though, as the young quarterback was constantly under duress from the Steelers' defense. New York's reserve offensive linemen are cause for concern, to say the least.

10. The Jets got some meaningful contributions from some recent additions, including former 49ers wide receiver Junior Bergen, whom they signed just this week. He took a screen pass for 44 yards late in the second half and returned five punts for 55 yards.

11. Speaking of recent additions, pass rusher Nate Lynn had himself a GAME. Despite having just one practice under his belt with the Jets, the former Detroit Lions edge recorded two sacks, two QB hits, and two tackles for loss. He's got an uphill climb to make the 53-man roster, but he's starting his tenure off on the right foot.

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