Jets offensive coordinator Frank Reich isn’t holding back on his assessment of quarterback Geno Smith as training camp gets into full swing. Reich has openly stated the 35-year-old signal-caller is “physically in his prime,” remarking that Smith feels more like he’s 28 years old on the field. It’s a bold claim about a player who has navigated a unique career path, now settled with his third team in as many seasons.
Don’t Call It a Comeback, Call It a Prime
It’s not often you hear an offensive coordinator talk about a 35-year-old QB feeling like he’s 28, but Reich made it crystal clear where he stands. He even started by questioning Smith’s age, asking, “I don’t know how old he is. Isn’t he past 35 ?” before emphatically adding, “It feels like he’s 28. I’m telling you, it feels like physically, I see no . . . like, he is in his prime, physically.” That’s not just lip service. Reich went on to praise Smith’s mechanics, noting, “Like his arm, the way he moves, his feet in the pocket, he’s physically in his prime.” The Jets OC believes Smith’s dedication to his body is a major asset, stating, “So he takes great care of himself and that’s going to help this team.” For a player who saw limited action early in his career, playing only 45 games across his first nine seasons, this perspective on his physical state certainly makes some sense. While he’s been on the move, Smith has still started a significant 64 games over the past four seasons, showing he can handle the grind.
“Laser Focus” and Leadership
Smith’s journey has certainly been a winding one, bringing him back to the Jets in an offseason trade with the Raiders. This marks New York as his third team in his third consecutive season. In his single season in Las Vegas in 2025, Smith put up 3,025 passing yards, with 19 touchdowns and 17 interceptions. Now back with the Jets, it’s clear Reich sees him as the undisputed shot-caller for the offense. “Geno’s the leader,” Reich emphatically stated. “He’s the leader of the offense, make no mistake about it, in every way, shape and form.” What truly caught Reich’s eye in early training camp? Smith’s “laser focus.” Reich described it saying, “This man is laser focused like people don’t understand. Like, he comes to work and he is locked in.” He added that he believes the entire offense feeds off that intensity.
With Reich painting such a vivid picture of Smith’s physical state and mental fortitude, it sets a high bar for the Jets as they head into the upcoming season. Can Smith truly defy his age and leverage his unique career arc to lead this offense? All eyes will be on New York to see if the 35-year-old quarterback really can perform like he’s still in his prime when the games matter. The focus is clearly there, the physical gifts, according to Reich, are too. Now it’s time to see it all come together as the regular season approaches.
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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