One NFL analyst thinks Geno Smith is set up for a huge year in New York.
Knox is projecting the Jets quarterback to top 4,000 passing yards and reach 30 touchdowns next season, arguing that Smith was brought in for far more than simple game management. In Knox’s view, the Jets have built an offense with real pieces around him, and that should give Smith plenty of chances to put up big numbers.
“The Jets didn't acquire Geno Smith simply to manage games,” Knox wrote. “They brought him in to stabilize an offense that finally appears equipped with legitimate weapons.
Garrett Wilson remains the featured receiver. Breece Hall should benefit from Frank Reich's run-heavy philosophy.
Omar Cooper Jr. and Kenyon Sadiq add explosiveness, while one of the NFL's youngest offensive lines continues developing together. Smith won't need to force the issue every week, but he'll have enough opportunities to eclipse 4,000 passing yards while approaching the 30-touchdown mark if this offense develops as expected.”
Smith is trying to reset the narrative in his second stint with the Jets after leading the NFL in interceptions last season with the Las Vegas Raiders. His strongest NFL seasons came with the Seattle Seahawks in 2022 and 2023, when he made the Pro Bowl both years and won the 2022 AP Comeback Player of the Year Award.
The West Virginia product enters the upcoming season with 22,168 passing yards, 124 passing touchdowns and 89 career interceptions. He has a 42-56-0 record as a starter.
Frank Reich, the Jets’ new offensive coordinator, has liked what he has seen from Smith so far. Reich said he’s been especially impressed by the quarterback’s “football mind.”
“It’s hard for me right now to not be overly, what's the word, effusive with praise, but I am just so impressed with Geno,” Reich said, via Jets.com. “I know we haven't played any games yet, we've got a long way to go, we've got a lot to prove.
But man, he is on point. His preparation is top-notch, his football mind is elite, the way he's communicating in the huddle and at the line of scrimmage and the way he communicates in the quarterbacks room.”
The Jets went 3-14 last season in Year 1 of the Aaron Glenn era. Now they’ll try to take a step forward in Year 2 with Reich and Smith in place.
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