Let’s start this off with the usual caveat that the preseason doesn’t actually matter and it’s important not to overreact. Now …Is this New York Jets offense the sequel to The Greatest Show on Turf?Kidding.But there was at least one truth to pull from the Jets’ first offensive drive led by Geno Smith in a decade: This offense could actually be fun.“Could” being the operative word. But the signs have been there throughout the summer, the talent is there on paper, and on Friday this new-look offense, with Smith at quarterback and Frank Reich calling plays, had a chance to flash what it can be at its best. Even if it was not at its very best — the ceiling is higher when running back Breece Hall is on the field, and he’s out with a groin injury, though he’s expected back for Week 1.Top Plays from Jets @ SteelersThe Smith experience is always going to be a roller coaster, impressive feats of accuracy and arm talent mixed with desperation heaves and maddening turnovers. The Jets saw the former for much of training camp but the latter during joint practices with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They were back on the good side of things for his (re)debut with the Jets on Friday. The performance was good enough that it’s OK to be excited about the possibilities for an offense that has ranked in the bottom 10 of the NFL in scoring in 13 of the last 14 seasons.On Smith’s first pass attempt, the Pittsburgh Steelers sent safety Rayshawn Jenkins on a blitz. Smith saw it, stood strong in the pocket, released the ball — taking a hit in the process — and connected with wide receiver Adonai Mitchell in the flat for an 8-yard gain. On his second pass attempt, off play action, Smith spotted Mitchell alone near the left sideline against zone coverage and completed a pass for 21 yards.That Smith-Mitchell connection is one reason to be excited. Mitchell’s talent has been tantalizing since he came into the NFL with his combination of size, speed and athleticism. He gets open with relative ease; he just had issues with focus before the Jets acquired him from the Colts last year. He’s been a star this summer, a potential long-term complement for Garrett Wilson.Smith’s third pass attempt was batted down by a defensive lineman, though it still landed in the arms of left guard Dylan Parham for a 2-yard loss (a loss that didn’t matter all that much).On his next pass, on third-and-9, Smith hit tight end Mason Taylor just beyond the sticks. The pass was thrown slightly behind Taylor but to a spot where only he could get it. Taylor is at the top of the most-talented tight ends room the Jets have had in many years. That might be a low bar, but the talent and depth of that group is real, especially once first-round pick Kenyon Sadiq returns from injury.
It’s preseason, but go ahead: Get excited about the promise of this Jets offense
Geno Smith returned to the field as a Jet on Friday night.










