New York Jets Brian Costello This version of Geno Smith gives the Jets hope By Brian Costello Published Sep. 28, 2026, 5:46 p.m. ET Jets quarterback Geno Smith (7) passes the ball as Detroit Lions edge Aidan Hutchinson rushes during the first half of an NFL game at Ford Field in Detroit, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect We entered the 2026 Jets season already thinking about the 2027 quarterback. Arch Manning? Dante Moore? C.J. Carr?
Well, Geno Smith provided a newsflash Sunday that the Jets have a quarterback worth watching in 2026. Smith played a fantastic game Sunday in Detroit. He was 31-for-36 passing for 321 yards and three touchdowns. His 129.8 passer rating was the best posted by a Jets quarterback who attempted at least 20 passes since Mike White in 2022 against the Bears.
Smith was unable to lead the Jets to a win and his final play was a fumble on a strip-sack by Chuck Clark, but Smith’s performance should not be lost because of that outcome.
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The Jets need Smith to play great in order to be good. That’s what they got on Sunday. Smith looked decisive and accurate. He spread the ball around to eight different receivers. He took over the game in the second half. Smith took chances and exploited a Lions secondary that is dealing with a lot of injuries.
