Cade Klubnik flops in preseason finale as Jets backup QB job remains a question
Cade Klubnik’s closing argument was not a convincing one. The rookie quarterback had a chance Friday night to finalize his case to be the No.2 Jets quarterback.
Instead, Klubnik threw an interception and looked shaky against a Giants defense that had only featured a few starters for the first series. Text with Brian Costello all season as he brings Sports+ subscribers the latest Jets intel from on the field and off.Klubnik went 6-for-13 for 59 yards and was picked off by linebacker Zaire Barnes, a former Jets draft pick.
He finished the preseason 21-for-34 for 190 yards with no touchdowns and the one pick.He was sacked four times. The Jets lost the game 23-6 to their crosstown rivals, but this game was about who is making the roster and settling on the depth chart for the regular season rather than the scoreboard. Backup quarterback has been a huge question mark for the Jets.
Geno Smith has been the undisputed starter since the team acquired him in a trade with the Raiders in March.But it has been a debate about who should back him up.
Klubnik has outplayed the other quarterbacks on the Jets roster, Bailey Zappe and Brady Cook.But there is a question of whether Jets general manager Darren Mougey should pursue a veteran either through a trade or if one shakes free when teams cut their rosters to 53 on Sunday evening. The Jets drafted Klubnik in the fourth round in April after his draft stock plummeted during a disappointing final season at Clemson.
He has impressed the Jets with his poise and decision-making, but his inexperience shows.The Jets have to ask themselves if they would trust him to be their quarterback against the Lions or Bears if Smith is hurt. Klubnik did not inspire much confidence against the Giants.
His worst pass came early in the second quarter when he threw an ill-advised pass toward tight end Jelani Woods; Barnes was there to intercept it. The Jets scored on their first series of the game, but Klubnik did not attempt a pass on...