Cade Klubnik didn’t hide from the tape after the Jets’ preseason game against the Giants, and that may matter just as much as the numbers.
The former Clemson quarterback, who is in the mix to eventually grab New York’s QB2 job, had a rough night Friday. Klubnik finished 6-of-13 for 59 yards with one interception, a line that didn’t do much to strengthen his case while he’s trying to earn more trust from Aaron Glenn’s staff.
Glenn hasn’t made anything official yet, but Klubnik has had chances this preseason to push for the backup role. The performance against New York’s other team wasn’t the kind of step forward he needed.
Still, there’s a built-in reality here: the Jets aren’t asking him to be a finished product. He’s not a first-round pick walking in with superstar expectations, so the path is more about growth than instant results.
Klubnik owned up to it afterward and didn’t try to dress it up.
"Overall, not my best ball," Klubnik said, per the team. "I thought we did some good things, though.
I thought at times that our offense was really rolling, and then at times we just weren't getting in rhythm. And that starts with me and getting the guys going."
That assessment lined up with Glenn’s read, too. The head coach said there were encouraging flashes, noted that Klubnik made some plays, and also made clear that the quarterback didn’t have his best outing.
The bigger takeaway for New York is the one Glenn pointed to: Klubnik’s intelligence and his willingness to learn. He’s the kind of young quarterback who can use film and coaching to work his way forward, and that approach gives him a chance to keep moving toward QB2.
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