New York Jets Brian Costello Jets giving fans reasons to hope they’re on path to no longer being an embarrassment By Brian Costello Published Aug. 22, 2026, 5:11 p.m. ET New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith (7) passes against pressure from Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on Friday, August 21, 2026. (This asset - including all text, audio and imagery - is provided by Imagn Images. Reuters Connec) IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect PITTSBURGH — It’s Hope Season in the NFL right now.
Take flight with the Jets Text with Brian Costello all season as he brings Sports+ subscribers the latest Jets intel from on the field and off.
That’s what this time of year is. Fans for all 32 teams are searching for reasons to believe. For some teams, it’s reason to believe they can win the Super Bowl. For others, it is: Can their team break through and become a playoff team? For the Jets right now, it is: Can this team be a normal, functional NFL team that does not leave its fans embarrassed to go to work or school on Monday?
The Jets looked like a professional football team when their starters were in the game. Geno Smith led a 10-play drive that no one is going to remember like Joe Montana in the Super Bowl, but it was significant for this beleaguered fanbase who endured last year’s 3-14 embarrassment. On defense, the Jets flew around and did not let the Steelers do much.
