For 13 NFL seasons as an offensive lineman for the Dallas Cowboys, Tyron Smith played in nearly every twice-yearly NFC East dogfight against the Giants. In a pair of those seasons (2020 and 2022), he was injured and did not play in those encounters.
But on Wednesday, Smith, who signed with the Jets in free agency, was back on the field in a joint practice against the Giants ahead of Saturday's preseason finale for each team, which will be played in the building they share -- MetLife Stadium. He may or may not play. He did say, however, that in his short time at One Jets Drive he's begun to get a sense of the local rivalry between the Green & White and Big Blue.
"I'm starting to learn about the rivalry they have out here, and see who rules New York," Smith told reporters after the joint practice. "I also have that little softy spot in my heart for the Giants, but just trying to enjoy practice today and try to get better as a team."
Smith, and the O-line as a unit, played well against the Giants. Specifically, Smith was able to hold off the Giants' linebacker Brian Burns when QB Aaron Rodgers connected on a long TD pass to WR Garrett Wilson.
As he put more miles on his internal odometer, Smith, the eight-time Pro Bowler who will turn 34 in December, has benefitted from a custom practice plan in Dallas, and now in Florham Park.
Asked how he's feeling now, Smith said: "Feels great. They came up with their own system similar to Dallas and it's working, keeping me fresh and healthy for the season."
He did not seem fazed at the prospect of not taking a snap during the preseason, saying: "For years I've been used to going straight into season. I'm getting as much work out here as possible getting ready for the first game." That first game will be Monday night, Sept. 9 at San Francisco.
Smith (6-5, 320) was a first-round pick (No. 9) in 2011 by Dallas and he started 161 games for the Cowboys and was named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame's All-Decade Team of the 2010s. He started 13 games at left tackle last season and had the fifth-highest grade among tackles (taking 94% of the snaps), according to Pro Football Focus, protecting the blindside of QB Dak Prescott.
Now he's got the same job, but the task is to protect Aaron Rodgers.
"He's looking great," Smith said, with a laugh, referring to the 40-year-old Rodgers. "I don't know much more to say, he has all the respect in the world from me. We're just trying to do our best to keep up with the man." He added: "No freak outs on the field, I trust he knows what he's doing on the field."
Smith is a big part of the Jets revamped offensive line that expects to start LG John Simpson, C Joe Tippman, RG Alijah Vera-Tucker and RT Morgan Moses. Smith said he's been impressed by the early play of Olu Fashanu, the Jets' top draft pick, who has seen time at left and right tackle during training camp.
"He's come a long way since the beginning [of OTAs and camp]," Smith said. "A great kid coming along pretty fast, which is pretty great."
He added: "We're a close group, so far the fact is we're staying together every day and trying to get better."
