Cade Klubnik should be the Jets backup quarterback.
Better yet, he deserves a shot at being the starter.
Yes, Klubnik is a rookie and he will make mistakes. He made 40 starts at Clemson, which is more than most of his peers. Even though he is on a bigger stage, his experience will help.
He didn’t look great in the team’s final preseason tuneup against the Giants, completing 6-of-13 for 59 yards with an interception. He did play against some of the Giants’ starters.
Overall, Klubnik was 21 0f 34 for 190 yards with no touchdowns and an interception.
Embattled Jets’ head coach Aaron Glenn knows Klubnik can be his saving ticket. Glenn will give him every chance.
“I thought Cade was up and down,” offered Glenn. “He made some plays. Obviously the drive was a really good drive for him. There are some little bitty things that we’ve got to fix.”
But Klubnik has shown enough in camp and in the other preseason games to justify his cause.
Klubnik has shown all of the aspects of a Jets’ version of Jaxson Dart, but he is less reckless. He has shown excellent field vision and obviously has the legs to make the most of a busted play.
There is a very good chance Klubnik will be the Jets’ starter at some point in the season. Geno Smith’s inconsistent past leaves that door open.
On the other hand, Smith looked good in his limited duty, but he’s Geno Smith. An interception or an unforced turnover can come at any time.
But let’s give Smith the benefit of the doubt. He may hold his own with a new beginning in the place of his once checkered past.
Klubnik will be on the roster, but he should be in the forefront. The Jets finally have another legitimate starter on the roster.
He may be the quarterback the Jets have been waiting for, and he deserves the chance to prove it. He will take his share of lumps and bumps.
Jets’ fans don’t want to see any more of Brady Cook, or have a dose of Bailey Zappe. The only consolation with Zappe is that he’s a seasoned veteran.
Jets’ GM Darren Mougey who has worked wonders in short say may search the waiver wire for another veteran. Philly’s Andy Daulton reportedly has been mentioned as being shopped.
It’s true the Jets have several pieces in palace, but quarterback is one position that is still undecided. If everything falls into place, the Jets could register five to eight wins.
That’s banking on their quarterback play being consistent.
That’s also letting Klubnik get a fair shot at being the starting quarterback.
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