Geno Smith took zero sacks in the Jets’ 23-10 victory over the Titans this Sunday, a truly wild turnaround after his previous season. Smith, who started 15 games for the Raiders last year, got sacked a league-high 55 times! Now, he is out here making it look easy, and everyone needs to pay attention.
From Beaten Up to Balling Out
Just thinking about 55 sacks in one season is brutal, but that was Smith’s reality with the Raiders. Fast forward to Sunday, and it was a completely different story. Smith went 19-of-24 for 215 yards against the Titans, leading his team to a solid win. The Titans were credited with one quarterback hit, but get this: Smith himself told reporters he couldn’t even recall getting touched out there! That’s how locked in his protection was.
“Outstanding. I thought the guys did a tremendous job at giving me lanes to throw through,” Smith said, praising his offensive line. “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.” That kind of protection changes everything for a quarterback.
Back Where It Started, Feeling Good
This wasn’t just any start for Smith. It was his first since leaving the Raiders, but it was also a return to where his career began. He was a second-round pick for the Jets back in 2013, and his initial four-year run with the team was, let’s just say, rocky. When asked how it felt to be back with the Jets, Smith kept it simple and powerful: “it just feels like football.” That’s the kind of confidence you love to see in a QB.
What a statement game from Smith and the Jets’ offensive line. Can they keep this momentum going? Smith’s second run with the team continues next Sunday in their home opener against the Packers. The whole league is watching to see if this incredible protection and newfound calm can last.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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