⚡ SURGE SPORTS FINAL — JETS 17, STEELERS 0

The New York Jets finished off an impressive 17–0 preseason shutout of the Pittsburgh Steelers on Friday, August 21, 2026 at Acrisure Stadium. The Jets scored seven in the first quarter and 10 in the fourth while Pittsburgh never reached the scoreboard.

Geno Smith provided the headline. 

In his first preseason action, Smith played one series and was perfect: 7-for-7, 65 yards and a touchdown. He connected twice with Adonai Mitchell for 29 yards, found Garrett Wilson for 10, then capped the 10-play opening drive with a 13-yard TD to Jelani Woods. The Jets defense took over from there. Andre Cisco and Samuel Womack intercepted Will Howard, with both picks stopping Pittsburgh possessions in Jets territory. Howard finished 10-of-15 for 74 yards with two interceptions, while New York's defense recorded four sacks and completed the shutout.

New York finally added insurance in the fourth. A big play from Junior Bergen helped set up Jason Sanders' 39-yard field goal, and Brady Cook hit Quincy Skinner Jr. for a 31-yard touchdown to make it 17–0.

SURGE SPORTS ANALYSIS: The score matters less than how the Jets got there. Smith looked decisive and completely in command with the first-team offense, while the defense generated turnovers, pressure and a shutout. For a team coming off a difficult 2025 season, that's exactly the kind of preseason dress rehearsal Aaron Glenn wanted. Pittsburgh's biggest concern is Howard: two interceptions after a promising preseason debut significantly complicated the Steelers' young-QB evaluation.

Up next: Jets vs. Giants at MetLife Stadium, Friday, August 28 at 7:30 PM ET.