The New York Jets head to Pittsburgh tonight for their second preseason game, and this one should give us a better look at several important position battles before the regular season. Aaron Glenn has said the plan is to play his starters, although injuries and individual management plans could always change that. The biggest question is whether Geno Smith makes his preseason debut after sitting out last week’s game against Tampa Bay with ankle soreness. It sounds like Geno will play, so here are some storylines we’ll be watching when the Jets take on the Steelers.
1. How Much Will Geno Smith Play?
All eyes will be on Geno Smith. Smith was held out against the Buccaneers last week because of ankle soreness. The Jets called the decision precautionary, and Cade Klubnik started in his place.
Geno returned to practice this week and handled a full workload Tuesday. His workload appeared lighter Wednesday, when Klubnik took a significant number of first-team reps.
Assuming Geno plays, the next question is how long. Could it be two series? Maybe a little more if the offense doesn’t sustain an early drive? The goal should be simple: get Geno some live game reps in Frank Reich’s offense, hopefully put together a productive drive and get him out healthy.
The Jets finish the preseason against the Giants next week, but that game represents the final tune-up before the regular season. If Glenn decides to protect some of his starters in the finale, tonight could be their last significant opportunity against live competition.
2. Can Cade Klubnik Build on His Debut?
Cade Klubnik made the most of his opportunity against Tampa Bay after Geno was scratched. Now comes the second test. Klubnik continued to get valuable work in practice this week, including first-team reps. He had a particularly strong practice Wednesday while Geno was on a lighter workload. The things to watch tonight are the same traits Klubnik has flashed throughout camp: poise, accuracy and mobility. Can he work through his progressions when the first option isn’t available? Does he continue to look comfortable as the speed increases? Can he use his legs without giving up on the passing play too quickly?
It will also be interesting to see whether Klubnik gets any work with the first-team offense against Pittsburgh’s starting defense. The rookie has done enough throughout camp to make his preseason snaps worth watching.
3. Big Opportunity at Running Back
The Jets are suddenly thin at running back. Breece Hall is out with a groin injury. Aaron Glenn said this week that Hall is expected to miss two to three weeks but should be ready for the regular season.
Isaiah Davis is also expected to miss a few weeks with a knee injury. That puts Braelon Allen in position to handle a much larger role against Pittsburgh. Glenn has referred to Hall and Allen as more of a 1A/1B combination than a traditional starter and backup, so tonight gives Allen another opportunity to show what he can do with an increased workload.
It also creates an opportunity for Chip Trayanum and Kene Nwangwu. Both should have chances to make an impression with Hall and Davis unavailable. For Trayanum in particular, preseason opportunities like this can be extremely important when roster decisions are approaching. Don’t just watch the rushing totals, either. Pass protection and receiving ability will be important parts of the evaluation.
4. Jets Defensive Front Getting Healthier
David Bailey has been one of the biggest stories of Jets training camp. Now the rookie edge defender gets another preseason opportunity with the defensive front beginning to get healthier around him.
T’Vondre Sweat returned to practice this week, giving the Jets a massive presence in the middle. Joseph Ossai is also back and had a standout practice on Tuesday. Can Bailey and McDonald generate pressure against Pittsburgh? How much does having Sweat in the middle help create opportunities for the edge rushers? Where does Ossai fit into the rotation?
The defensive tackle rotation will be worth watching as well. The Jets have Harrison Phillips, David Onyemata, Jowon Briggs, Darrell Jackson Jr., Sweat and others competing for snaps inside. How Aaron Glenn rotates that group should give us a better idea of how the defensive line is taking shape.
The Jets have flashed considerable depth up front throughout camp. Tonight gives them a chance to show it against someone other than their own offensive line.
5. Cade York vs. Jason Sanders
The kicking competition remains wide open. Cade York and Jason Sanders have gone back and forth throughout training camp. In camp, some days York has the better day, while Sanders wins other days.
Practice kicks matter, but game situations are different. If one of these kickers gets an opportunity from distance or in a pressure situation tonight, it could carry considerably more weight in deciding this competition.
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Official Jets vs. Steelers Preseason Game Thread
For the Jets, tonight isn’t really about the final score. We want to see Geno Smith get comfortable in the offense if he plays, Cade Klubnik continue his development, Braelon Allen and the other running backs take advantage of increased opportunities, and the young pass rushers create pressure with T’Vondre Sweat back in the middle.
Add another round in the kicking competition, and there will be plenty to watch in Pittsburgh.
