Rodgers’ Debut vs. Wilson’s Revenge: Jets-Steelers Preview
New York Jets Preseason Preview: Road Trip to Pittsburgh
What’s Happening This Week?
The New York Jets are packing their bags for a short road trip! They’re heading to Pittsburgh (nicknamed "The Steel City") for their only away game of the preseason. The game kicks off on Friday night.
The Game Plan: Starters Will Play
Head Coach Aaron Glenn has a clear plan: the starters are suiting up.
- Just like last week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the first-string players will take the field.
- The goal? Get real game reps before the regular season starts.
Important Point
Preseason games don’t count for the standings. They are practice games used to:
- Test strategies
- Evaluate players
- Build chemistry
- Shake off the rust before Week 1 (the first real game)
Quarterback Situation: Geno vs. The Rookie
Geno Smith: The Veteran Leader
Geno Smith is the expected starting quarterback for the regular season. Here’s the latest:
- Ankle Issue: He’s been dealing with a sore ankle.
- Missed Last Week: He sat out the opener vs. the Buccaneers as a precaution.
- Back at Practice: He practiced fully this week.
- Friday Night Debut? He could play his first preseason snaps against the Steelers.
Coach Glenn’s Thoughts:
"He’s a competitor, and he wants to make sure he gets those reps in… [His ankle] is not to a point where he can’t go out. Obviously, he’s out there practicing, but again, we want to make sure we’re doing the right things when it comes to him playing."
Translation: Geno wants to play, his ankle is okay enough to practice, but the coaches will be extra careful not to risk a serious injury right before the season starts.
Cade Klubnik: The Rookie Stand-in
With Geno out last week, rookie Cade Klubnik got the start. He impressed everyone:
- Stats: 5 of 7 passes completed (71%!) for 56 yards.
- Result: Led the team on two scoring drives.
- Attitude: He called it "fun" but admitted he made mistakes. He loved how his teammates supported him.
Defensive Veterans Returning (Carefully)
Two big names on defense are working their way back from injuries:
| Player | Position | Status |
|---|---|---|
| T’Vondre Sweat | Defensive Tackle (DT) | Returned to practice this week |
| Joseph Ossai | Edge Rusher | Returned to practice this week |
The Catch: They are on a "Pitch Count."
What is a "Pitch Count"?
Think of it like a limit on playing time. In baseball, a pitcher has a limit on throws. In football, a returning player has a limit on snaps (plays) or intensity during practice/games to avoid re-injury.
Coach Glenn’s Philosophy:
"I’ve never been a coach that was afraid of injuries because it’s a part of the game, but I also want to be a coach that’s smart and make sure I get our guys ready for Week 1."
What this means for Friday: If Sweat or Ossai play, it will be very limited—maybe just a few series.
The Big Picture: Eyes on Week 1
Everything the Jets do right now points to one date: Week 1 vs. the Tennessee Titans.
- Preseason = Preparation.
- Health > Preseason Stats.
- Coach Glenn wants his best players healthy and ready for when the games actually count.
Summary
- Jets @ Steelers on Friday (only road preseason game).
- Starters playing (same plan as last week).
- Geno Smith (QB1) practiced all week; may debut Friday after ankle soreness.
- Cade Klubnik (Rookie QB) played great last week (5/7, 56 yds, 2 scoring drives).
- Sweat & Ossai (Veteran Defenders) back at practice but on strict snap limits.
- Coach Glenn’s Mantra: Be smart, protect the players, get ready for Week 1 vs. Titans.
FAQ
1. Why do NFL teams play preseason games if they don’t count?
Think of them like scrimmages or dress rehearsals. Coaches need to see players in live game speed (hitting, tackling, crowd noise) before cutting the roster down to 53 players and starting the real season.
2. What does "QB1" mean?
It stands for Starting Quarterback (Quarterback #1 on the depth chart). Geno Smith is the guy the Jets paid and trust to lead the offense when the real games start.
3. Why is Geno Smith playing if his ankle is sore?
He needs "Live Reps." Practicing is different than a real game (speed, contact, decision-making under pressure). He needs a little taste of that before Week 1, but the coaches will pull him quickly if he takes a big hit.
4. Who is Cade Klubnik?
He is a Rookie Quarterback (first-year player) drafted by the Jets. He is fighting for the Backup QB job (QB2). Playing well in preseason helps him make the final team roster.
5. What happens if Sweat or Ossai get hurt in a meaningless game?
That is exactly what Coach Glenn is trying to avoid! That is why they are on a pitch count. The risk of playing them (getting hurt) currently outweighs the reward (getting a few extra practice snaps).