Geno Smith's productive start to training camp should instill hope in Jets fans

Over a week into training camp, much of what’s been reported about the New York Jets’ offense is likely what fans expected. Geno Smith and Cade Klubnik have looked sharp at times, and third-year receiver Adonai Mitchell has continued his offseason breakout.

The value of social media is how easily it allows the onsite media members to share exactly what they’re seeing, and those in attendance have gotten a close look at Frank Reich’s offense, which often features multiple tight ends and versatility among the running backs.

SNY’s Connor Rogers reported on Tuesday that Smith has impressed with a "consistent effort" throughout camp regardless of where he’s throwing the ball. In other words, Smith is faring well when dealing with short, intermediate, and deep routes. 

“He wants to push the ball down the field to the WRs, and hopefully that opens up the quick underneath throws to [Omar Cooper Jr.], Isaiah Williams, etc,” Rogers wrote on Twitter/X. “The TEs got plenty of looks in the intermediate area.”

New York Jets fans need to get excited about Geno Smith again

In the final weeks before training camp, the national media began to turn on Smith and the Jets, with CBS Sports even proclaiming that the Jets had the league’s second-worst quarterback room behind the Browns. At least Smith isn’t getting booed at training camp the way Deshaun Watson was this week. 

Even as he nears his 36th birthday, Smith should want the world to know that he’s having a strong start to training camp. He should do whatever it takes to begin erasing the immense external doubt about him being even an average starting quarterback in his return to the Jets.

Make no mistake, no one believes that he’s going to suddenly challenge Josh Allen or Lamar Jackson for MVP — and if he does, then the Jets are about to have a season no one will forget.

But in all seriousness, fans must be ecstatic about Smith already adapting well to Reich’s offense. He’s a veteran quarterback who has never played for Reich before, and he’s made his way back to the Jets after a hectic first stint and a decade away.

Smith has also quickly formed relationships with Mitchell and Jelani Woods, a veteran tight end who is seeing increased action amid Kenyon Sadiq’s absence. A cynic will argue that it’s only training camp, so who cares? The 2008 Detroit Lions went undefeated in the preseason before going 0-16. 

Jets fans need every reason to feel optimistic right now, and Smith is offering it by letting his play do the talking. Whether he’s throwing to Mitchell or connecting with Isaiah Williams, it’s clear that things are trending upward at Jets camp.

Hey, you know the deal by now: You take the victories as they come, especially if you’re the Jets.

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