Overview
- Smith completed all seven throws on New York's opening drive during Friday's 17-0 preseason win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, finishing with 65 passing yards and a touchdown.
- Head coach Aaron Glenn called Smith 'very, very efficient' and said the performance provided exactly what the team wanted while warning the run game "wasn't where it needs to be."
- Breece Hall was ruled out for the remainder of the preseason with a groin issue but Glenn said he is expected to be ready for Week 1, prompting increased snaps for backups Braelon Allen, Isaiah Davis and Kene Nwangwu.
- The Jets still must settle their QB depth behind Smith as rookie Cade Klubnik and veterans Brady Cook and Bailey Zappe continue to press for the backup role with final 53-man roster cuts approaching.
- Coming off a 3-14 season, the Jets view Smith's calm, efficient play as a possible stabilizing force but analysts note the preseason sample is small and the team must fix the running attack and finalize roster decisions before the regular season.