Jets quarterback Geno Smith is about to face a familiar defensive mind in Week 9, and what he knows about Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo should have New York fans holding their breath. This isn’t just another opponent; Smith and Spagnuolo shared a sideline back in 2017, giving Smith an inside look at how the longtime coach operates.
The Echoes of 2017
That connection goes all the way back to the 2017 season with the New York Giants. Spagnuolo was their defensive coordinator, eventually stepping up as interim head coach late in the year. Smith, a quarterback for the Giants at the time, got a firsthand education on Spagnuolo’s approach to the game. When he spoke with reporters this week, Smith didn’t hold back on his respect for Spagnuolo, calling him “one of the best defensive coordinators this game has seen.”
Smith specifically highlighted the challenges Spagnuolo’s defenses present. “Obviously, we were together on the Giants for one year. He’s a guy who’s going to present multiple looks,” Smith said. He also praised the Chiefs’ talent, noting that Spagnuolo “has those guys flying around and playing well. They have great guys on every level.” That’s high praise, and it underscores the monumental task ahead for Smith and the Jets.
Knowing Is Half the Battle, But Not All of It
Knowing Spagnuolo’s playbook, so to speak, offers Smith a “useful reference point,” but let’s be real: familiarity alone won’t get the job done. The Chiefs defense is built to test quarterbacks. Spagnuolo’s expertise in disguising coverages and creating relentless pressure will put Smith’s recognition and decision-making under the microscope. Smith’s comments make it clear he understands there’s zero room for carelessness with the football against this unit.
Sunday isn’t just about what Smith knows from his past; it’s about what he can execute in the moment. Against a team with Patrick Mahomes on the other side of the ball, stalled possessions are the ultimate killer. Smith has to translate his deep understanding of Spagnuolo’s scheme into sustained drives and, crucially, points on the board if the Jets have any hope of leaving Kansas City with a victory.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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