Jets Blank Steelers 17-0 in Preseason Opener

The New York Jets defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 17-0 in the first preseason contest of the 2026 NFL season. The Jets’ lone scoring drive came on a seven-pass, 65-yard series by veteran quarterback Geno Smith, culminating in a 13-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jelani Woods. Smith completed every pass he attempted. The Steelers were unable to generate any points, finishing the game without a field goal or touchdown.

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• Final score: Jets 17, Steelers 0.

Bleacher Report

• Passing: Geno Smith 7-7, 65 yds, 1 TD (Jets); Cade Klubnik 10-15, 75 yds, 0 TD, 2 sacks (Jets).

Cade Klubnik continues to make the Jets’ fourth-round gamble look brilliant

• Steelers quarterbacks: Will Howard 10-15, 74-75 yds, 2 INT, 1 sack; Drew Allar 11-23, 110 yds, 0 INT, 3 sacks.

Bleacher Report

• Turnovers: Steelers threw two interceptions (Andre Cisco 23-yd return, Samuel Womack).

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• Sacks: Steelers recorded four sacks, two by newly signed edge rusher Nate Lynn.

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• Defensive highlights: Steelers linebacker Elandon Roberts led his team with four solo tackles; Steelers rookie inside linebacker Carson Bruener recorded a sack.

Batko's Quick 6: Steelers vs. Jets

Jets head coach Aaron Glenn emphasized the need to improve the ground game despite the win, noting the Steelers’ reputation for stopping the run.

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Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy described the two interceptions as “not clean” plays and stressed that the team is still evaluating depth-chart options behind Aaron Rodgers.

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Both teams used the game to assess young talent. The Jets highlighted the performance of rookie quarterback Cade Klubnik, who completed 10 passes and added a 16-yard scramble. The Steelers noted the contributions of recent acquisitions such as edge rusher Nate Lynn and linebacker Elandon Roberts, who each made impactful plays despite limited preseason experience.

Batko's Quick 6: Steelers vs. Jets

• “It felt good to be out there with the guys,” — Geno Smith, Jets quarterback

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• “There’s always plays that are cleaner than others and those two plays were not clean,” — Mike McCarthy, Steelers head coach

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• “I just need to do a better job, especially early in drives, taking what's given," Allar said.” — Drew Allar, Steelers quarterback

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• “I really wanted to play in this preseason game,” — Bigger Bru Roberts, Steelers linebacker

Batko's Quick 6: Steelers vs. Jets

Sources differ on Will Howard’s passing yardage: three outlets list 75 yards, while two report 74 yards. No official clarification has been provided, leaving the exact total ambiguous. Additionally, the Steelers’ roster status at quarterback remains unsettled, with speculation about whether Howard, Allar or veteran Mason Rudolph will occupy the backup role, but no definitive decision has been announced.

Bleacher Report

The Jets will host the New York Giants later this month, while the Steelers travel to Buffalo later this month for their next preseason matchup. Both teams will continue to evaluate roster candidates as the regular season approaches.

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