The New York Jets ended a significant interception drought during their preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Friday, August 21, 2026, with two crucial interceptions. Safety Andre Cisco was the first to break the streak, picking off Steelers quarterback Will Howard in the second quarter. The team followed up with another interception on the next Steelers possession, as Samuel Womack also intercepted Howard.
This marked a notable turnaround for a team that had gone an entire regular season without recording an interception, a first in NFL history. Their last interception had occurred on the first quarter of a preseason game against the Eagles one year prior. The streak of regular-season pick-less games dates back to Week 18 of the 2024 season, which concluded in early January 2025, when the Jets intercepted then-Dolphins quarterback Tyler Huntley twice.
Despite the positive defensive plays, the Jets' offense struggled in the first half. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw an interception on the team's opening offensive snap. The Jets were unable to capitalize on the second interception, as kicker Cade York missed a 59-yard field goal attempt as time expired before halftime.
Drew Allar, expected to serve as Pittsburgh's backup quarterback, entered the game in the second half, taking over for Howard. The Jets' recent defensive success in preseason comes after a challenging period without turnovers on defense in the previous regular season.