4 Winners & 4 Losers From Jets Preseason Week 2: Cisco, Bailey Shine in Shutout Victory Over Steelers

Two down, one to go. The Jets' 17-0 victory over the Steelers in their second preseason game of the year brought forth plenty of positivity going into the final few weeks before meaningful football begins.

While the outcome doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things, there was much for Jets fans to love in the Steel City Friday night.

Let's go over some of the biggest winners and losers of New York's shutout win over Pittsburgh.

Winner: Geno Smith

Debuts don't get as good as what Geno Smith showed Friday night. The Jets threw their starting quarterback out on the field for a single drive to see what he could do with the offense.

He did not disappoint. The 36-year-old quarterback went a perfect 7-of-7 on the drive while throwing for 65 yards and a touchdown pass to tight end Jelani Woods. Along the way, Smith spread the ball to many receivers while converting two third downs.

Geno Smith (7) warms up. — Jets fans couldn't have asked for a better debut performance from Geno Smith. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

His debut was literally perfect. And while Jets fans should know the consistency of Smith remains a big question, this was the kind of showing that proves that the offense will be far more exciting throughout the year compared to last year.

Loser: Chukwuma Okorafor

There was a lot to like about the Jets on Friday. One thing that was unequivocally bad, though, was the depth of the offensive line. Most importantly, Chukwuma Okorafor's performance was awful, including multiple sacks given up and pressure that resulted in an intentional grounding call.

I think Okorafor's camp has been solid as a swing tackle, but Friday was nowhere close to acceptable. If the Jets had to go to him because of an injury to Armand Membou, they would be in major trouble.

Winner: David Bailey

If the first offensive drive of the game brought forth plenty of excitement, then New York's second defensive drive added plenty more. Second overall pick David Bailey bullrushed through for his first preseason sack of the year, taking down Steelers QB Will Howard.

first of many for the No. 2 pick

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— New York Jets (@nyjets) August 21, 2026

Bailey also played much better on several runs throughout his first quarter of action.

New York needs Bailey to play like the dominant force he has shown throughout training camp. His relentless motor helped aid in the sack, but it was a play that showed life could be different for the organization along the line.

Loser: Isaiah Williams

After a week that had people concerned that the Jets were moving Isaiah Williams ahead of first-round pick Omar Cooper Jr., Friday night laid out a clear path for Cooper to get back in the starting lineup. Not only did the Indiana rookie go out with the first team, but Williams dropped a pass and even fumbled a reception in the second quarter.

This isn't to say Williams won't have a role on the team. It just means that the overreaction to Cooper's roster swap was nothing more than a simple week-to-week thing. And Williams is the one who altered the course more than anyone else.

Winner: Andre Cisco

Halleljuah! The Jets recorded an interception for the first time since last year's preseason slate. It's been so long.

Andre Cisco in the right place at the right time 😌

NYJvsPIT on @nflnetwork
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— NFL (@NFL) August 21, 2026

Jokes aside, while Dane Belton had another great first half, Andre Cisco recorded a much needed pick on a jumped crossing route deep in the red zone. It was the kind of play that made Cisco a commodity to the team when he was first brought in, but never got a chance to show in 2025.

Cisco desperately needed that play to keep fighting for a starting role.

Loser: AZ Thomas

While Brandon Stephens was busy deflecting fade routes on well-covered plays, AZ Thomas was giving up big plays in the passing game.

His speed remains a hindrance, and it causes him to be overly aggressive at the line of scrimmage. It works in camp practices and can overwhelm physical receivers, but it's a major problem for the second-year pro going forward. His 53.5 coverage grade on Friday was the worst among Jets cornerbacks, per Pro Football Focus.

Until Thomas gets that speed up, opposing teams will attack him repeatedly over the middle of the field.

Winner: Samuel Womack III

What? The Jets recorded a second interception on Friday night? In this economy?

Samuel Womack III comes up with the INT 👏

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— NFL (@NFL) August 22, 2026

Samuel Womack III has been a surprise so far throughout training camp. Then he jumped a route in Friday's contest to come away with New York's third turnover forced on the night. It will be hard for Womack to earn a role on the 53-man roster, but plays like these are why he is making this a lot closer than anyone could have imagined.

Loser: Cade York

It's simple math. While both Cade York and Jason Sanders have both competed well in this kicking battle, the preseason is the deciding factor. In that case, York's missed 59-yard field goal hurts his chances to actually win the job going forward.

So long as Sanders remains consistent, it feels like this kicking battle could be teetering toward the end. The fact that Sanders made his kick from 39 yards out didn't help matters for York either.

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