Geno Smith wasted no time changing the conversation after Week 1.
The Jets veteran jumped multiple spots in FOX Sports’ quarterback rankings following New York’s 23-10 win over the Tennessee Titans, moving from No. 29 to No. 21 after a clean, efficient opening performance.
Smith went 19-for-24 for 215 passing yards and didn’t throw an interception, a notable step forward after he had 17 picks with the Las Vegas Raiders last season. He also wasn’t sacked once as the Jets controlled the game from start to finish.
New York finished with 367 total yards, including 215 through the air and 152 on the ground, while picking up 19 first downs. The Jets scored two touchdowns, with rookie Kenyon Sadiq finding the end zone on the ground and Breece Hall adding the other score.
After the game, Smith pointed to the way the Jets started and the work up front that made everything else possible.
"We came out and executed on that first drive and put 7 points on the board," Smith said after the Jets beat the Titans. "That's something that we talk about all the time. We want to start fast, and I think today we started fast, and obviously we kept our foot on the gas, and just try to stay even-keeled throughout."
"I thought the guys [up front] did a tremendous job giving me lanes to throw through. I don't think I got touched at all out there, and that's always a great sign. I thought we ran the ball well, which slowed them down, and then when we needed to pass the ball, I thought the protection was outstanding."
Smith also made a bit of team history in the process. Against Tennessee, he became the fifth Jets quarterback since the merger to post 200-plus passing yards, a completion rate above 75%, a passer rating over 100 and zero sacks or interceptions. He’s the first to do it on opening day.
Now the focus shifts to Week 2, when New York hosts the Green Bay Packers. The Jets will try to move to 2-0 with Smith steering the offense, and the early signs suggest the veteran is already settling in.
Smith’s best NFL seasons came with the Seattle Seahawks in 2022 and 2023. He made the Pro Bowl in both years and won the 2022 AP Comeback Player of the Year Award.
It’ll be worth watching whether he can keep that momentum rolling.
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