The New York Jets are actually 1-0 after a 23-10 win over the Tennessee Titans, and believe it or not, it might all come down to a human skeleton. Seriously. Jets quarterback Geno Smith remembers a life-sized replica of every bone in the human body from his seventh-grade observational drawing class, where he had to draw it to scale, every rib and vertebrae, from memory. This crazy detail is surfacing now because offensive coordinator Frank Reich thinks the guy has a “photographic memory,” a claim Smith himself agrees with, saying he’s known it since middle school art class.
Geno’s Brain Just Built Different
That wild ability to recall extreme detail is proving huge for Smith. He comfortably completed 19 of 24 passes for 215 yards with zero turnovers in that opener against the Titans, despite this being his first game with the Jets, his third offensive system, and his third team in three years. His middle school art teachers even told Yahoo Sports that Smith’s photographic memory ensured he didn’t miss details. It is no wonder Reich was impressed with Smith’s recall. Smith’s unique brain power helps him process complex systems and remember past game situations against specific defenses, like those of Green Bay Packers’ first-year coordinator Jonathan Gannon, who the Jets face next.
Don’t Call It a Comeback (Yet)
Look, a Week 1 win feels great, but Smith knows it does not make a successful year. Last year, his Las Vegas Raiders beat the eventual AFC champion New England Patriots in their season opener, then completely cratered to a 3-14 finish. That’s why Smith isn’t getting ahead of himself. He’s “super competitive” and “super motivated” but understands “it’s a team game” and “it’s a process and it’s not just me alone.” This year, the pieces around him, especially the skill positions and offensive line, are a huge upgrade from what he had in Vegas. Plus, the Jets nearly doubled their usage of play action against the Titans, which was a key to their victory. It’s all about the collective effort.
Kenneth Walker Still Showing Respect
It’s cool to hear Smith still has respect for other running backs in the league, even from his past. When the Raiders traded Smith to the Jets back in March, he says he thought back to conversations with his former Seattle teammate and now Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker. Together, they both admired Jets running back Breece Hall. That shows how much even former teammates can influence each other, a real nod to the connections built on the field.
The Jets are now looking to grab their first 2-0 start in 11 years when they go up against the Green Bay Packers. Smith will be leaning on those “deeply entrenched memories” of past games against Gannon’s defenses, plus the much stronger support system he has around him. This next game is huge for setting the tone for their season.
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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