Geno Smith isn't hiding his faith in explosive Jets rookie Omar Cooper Jr.

Everything considered, New York Jets rookie Omar Cooper Jr. couldn’t have asked for a better return to the starting lineup on Sunday afternoon.

The odds were always against the Jets upsetting the Patriots in New England, but Cooper certainly did his part. After missing the last four games with a high ankle sprain, the first-round wideout had six catches for 103 yards, including a 48-yard touchdown, in the 26-19 loss. He had another touchdown called back on a controversial Tim Patrick pass-interference call on the opening drive.

Veteran quarterback Geno Smith raved about Cooper and the “tremendous job” the No. 30 pick did upon returning from injury.

“He fought just to get back out there, and what he did was showcase who he is: He’s a playmaker,” Smith told reporters. “He’s a guy who finds ways to make catches. The tough catches — he makes them look easy.”

New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith is clearly a fan of rookie receiver Omar Cooper Jr.

Smith has been around long enough that he wouldn’t offer such unsolicited praise for a rookie if he didn’t feel so strongly. What you heard from the two-time Pro Bowler wasn’t the generic, PR-friendly answer that players and coaches have unfortunately embraced in the social media era. 

The Jets desperately need Cooper to prove Sunday’s showcase wasn’t an aberration. Adonai Mitchell remains out following finger surgery, and Patrick is a depth body. Offensive coordinator Frank Reich’s seat is scorching, especially after star receiver Garrett Wilson openly questioned the team’s game planning.

But will the Jets change what isn’t working, and will Cooper’s presence matter? Reich and Aaron Glenn are obsessed with the idea of spreading the ball around on the first couple of drives before limiting opportunities for other players — as we saw with Wilson and Kenyon Sadiq — until it’s too late. 

Wilson’s four catches, 44 yards, and six targets all marked his second-worst this year. Sadiq caught only one pass for 12 yards on three targets, and Isaiah Williams’ lone touch came on a 20-yard run. It’s no wonder the Jets enter Week 6 ranked No. 27 in points per game; they’re currently No. 22 in total yards, but the Commanders trail by 107 yards entering Monday’s showdown with the 49ers.

Between Reich and Glenn, consider this yet another year where the Jets’ coaching staff lost fans’ support and faith before Halloween. 

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