It was a disappointing day for Geno Smith and the New York Jets yesterday when they fell to Big Ben and the Pittsburgh Steelers 19-6; the first time they were beaten at home all season. Prior to the game, you could feel the tremendous amount of energy coming from the tailgaters; they were ready and eager to see the Jets continue their momentum from the impressive victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Monday night. What was mostly a field goal game, the Jets just were not able to execute a better running game than the desperate and anxious Steelers (where losing another game was just not an option for them) or (who weren’t going to take another loss for the season.)
Geno Smith reminded us all that he is still a rookie quarterback, trying to prove that he has what it takes but needs a little more time. The great pass to Stephen Hill towards the end of the second quarter showed the exact skill and effort of what Geno Smith can do but will he be able to be consistent throughout the rest of the season? “Well it starts with practice. It starts with being consistent in practice. It takes a tremendous amount of discipline and it takes a tremendous amount of focus and effort, that’s all there is to it, and you just got to be consistent.” Said Smith at the post-game press conference.
Smith was without receiving targets Santonio Holmes, inactive for the game, and Kellen Winslow, suspended by the NFL on Friday, and lost Clyde Gates to injury early in the fourth quarter. Geno Smith finished with 19 of 34 passes for 201 yards, no touchdowns but 2 interceptions. Ben Roethlisberger completed 23 of 30 pass for 264 yards and one touchdown.
Overall, neither side looked impressive yesterday, but Roethlisberger and company delivered a game changer play in the third quarter when Emmanuel Sanders smoked Antonio Cromartie for a 55-yard bomb resulting in a touchdown. Mike Tomlin and the Steelers finally achieved their first “W” of the season.
The New England Patriots will be heading down to Metlife Stadium next week. Time is running out, so Smith is going to have to practice, practice, practice before Sunday. Hopefully, the guy that played against the Falcons will show up again and for the rest of the season.
Chrissy Kim: PureSportsNY