In the New York Jets’ second preseason game of 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the Jets shut out the Pittsburgh Steelers, 17 – 0.
The Jets opened on offense with Omar Cooper in with the starters this week. Geno Smith looked sharp as he led the Jets on a long drive culminating in a touchdown pass to Jelani Woods. Smith was a perfect 7 for 7 on the drive. The Jets defense then held the Steelers to a three and out. This is how you hoped the Jets starters would look, dominating the early action.
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Jets starting offense called it a night after their impressive game opening touchdown drive. Cade Klubnik and a bunch of backups came in on offense and were immediately shut down by the Steelers defense.
The first quarter ended with neither team putting additional points on the board. As the second quarter opened the Steelers had the ball in their own territory. The Steelers drive ended with something we haven’t seen in a very long time – an interception of a Will Howard pass by Andre Cisco.
Late in the second quarter the Jets defense did it again. Samuel Womack picked off Will Howard to shut down a promising Steelers drive in Jets territory. That preserved a 7 – 0 Jets lead as the first half wound down. Cade Klubnik overcame a couple of sacks to get the Jets into position for a very long 59 yard field goal attempt as time expired. Cade York had plenty of length but pushed his kick wide as the Jets went into the locker room with a 7 – 0 lead.
The Jets opened the third quarter with a bunch of scrubs and Cade Klubnik. The offense couldn’t get anything going. Midway through the third quarter Drew Allar led a Steelers drive deep into Jets territory before the drive bogged down on a Chase Wilson sack. The ensuing 44 yard field goal attempt was missed by the Steelers and the Jets continued to lead the game 7 – 0.
The third quarter ended with the score still Jets 7, Steelers 0 as neither offense had much success moving the ball. Bailey Zappe replaced Cade Klubnik late in the quarter as Klubnik was shut out in roughly two quarters running the Jets offense.
Midway through the fourth quarter the Jets got their first first down of the second half when Junior Bergen found a crease on a short pass and scooted downfield for a 44 yard gain. The drive bogged down from there and the Jets settled for a field goal and a 10 – 0 lead with seven minutes left in the game.
With two minutes left Brady Cook connected with Quincy Skinner on fourth and three for a 31 yard touchdown pass and a 17 – 0 Jets lead. The Steelers could not get the ball in the end zone as time expired and the Jets defense finished off a shutout.
Final score: Jets 17, Steelers 0. The victory brought the Jets’ preseason record to 1-1. The Jets had a bit of everything in this win. The front seven put pressure on the quarterback and racked up four sacks, including one by #2 overall draft pick David Bailey. The secondary got a couple of interceptions. And the first team offense, led by Geno Smith, dominated the Steelers in their one drive of the night. It’s just preseason, but it was a promising follow up to last week’s loss. Now the Jets move on to their final preseason game of 2026 next Friday. They will be facing the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium to wrap up the preseason.
