New York Jets News: QB Geno Smith Challenged to Take Flight

New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith (7) looks to throw the ball during a game against the Green Bay Packers at MetLife Stadium, Sep 20, 2026, East Rutherford, NJ, USA. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co

He isn't who we thought he was. In 2025, Geno Smith led the league in interceptions (17). Through the first two games of the 2026 season, Smith hasn't thrown a pick.

The Jets have 0 Giveaways in Weeks 1 and 2 - first time that's happened in 55 years," Jets senior reporter Eric Allen shared.

QB Geno Smith is hitting on 70.8% of his passes. Since 2011, [the] Jets' highest completion percentage season was 63.4% in 2024," Allen revealed on social media.

That is all good, but he can be better.

The former West Virginia product is only averaging 5.8 air yards per attempt. According to ESPN's Rich Cimini, Smith is tied with Daniel Jones for 28th in the league."

It's a fine line between taking care of the football and displaying a willingness to turn the cap backward to take some deep shots.

ESPN's Rich Cimini challenged Smith to open up the passing attack to maximize their skill position talent."

That feels like an important factor heading into this Detroit Lions game in Week 3. The Detroit defense stinks, but their offense is loaded with playmakers. This could be a track meet kind of game with a ton of points being thrown around.

Smith being at his best and aggressive could go a long way toward increasing the Jets' chances of winning.

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Here are your links to the New York Jets.

Insider Challenges Jets QB Geno Smith Before Lions Game - Paul A. Esden Jr/Heavy

Jets starting DT David Onyemata undergoes core muscle surgery - Rich Cimini/ESPN

Jets Lose Pass Catcher After Season-Ending Surgery Days Before Lions Game - Paul A. Esden Jr/Heavy

Understanding Aaron Glenn's decision-making process: Why Jets really lost to Packers - Zack Rosenblatt/The Athletic

Cowboys Told to Strike Trade With Jets for Promising 22-Year-Old - Paul A. Esden Jr/Heavy

Motor City Reunion: Aaron Glenn Faces Dan Campbell for First Time as Jets Head Coach - Amanda Vogt/New York Jets

Geno Smith Likes Sound of No Jets TOs, Seeks to Continue Offense's Growth vs. Lions - Randy Lange/New York Jets

The New York Jets can no longer ignore Jowon Briggs - Michael Nania/Jets X-Factor

Kenyon Sadiq Needs to Be More Involved in Jets' Offense for Week 3 - Nick Faria/Jets on SI

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