If you thought the backup quarterback race in New York would drag out through preseason, think again. Cade Klubnik all but closed the door on any real competition in the Jets’ 24-16 preseason-opening loss to the Buccaneers. The rookie got the nod for the start with Geno Smith resting his sore ankle, and he looked the part, leading the Jets to 10 points on his first two drives and finishing five of seven passing for 56 yards.
With Bailey Zappe’s big chance right behind him, the difference couldn’t have been starker. Zappe struggled against the Buccaneers reserves, tossing two picks and failing to generate much through the air. If you’re looking for clarity on the pecking order behind Smith, you got it. Klubnik looked comfortable, decisive, and even flashed some of that ‘starter moxie’ in his limited action – the job really is his to lose now.
According to Yahoo Sports, the pressure on Klubnik had been mounting all camp, with moments of brilliance like his joint practice 55-yard TD strike to Arian Smith, but also some questionable turnovers. The key takeaway? When it mattered, he protected the football and looked in control. That’s what you want from a backup QB who might find himself thrown in if Smith’s ankle is an issue – or if age catches up to him down the stretch.
Give credit to the Jets’ front, too. They gave Klubnik time, allowing just two pressures on seven attempts. It let him look calm, find targets like Garrett Wilson (who pulled in a 21-yard contested grab and later added a slick 11-yarder), and play smart situational football. The 31-yard Braelon Allen touchdown capped a drive that felt way too easy, albeit with Tampa Bay resting most of their starting defenders. Still, you can only play who lines up across from you, and Klubnik did his job.
For all the good vibes with Klubnik, you can’t ignore the Zappe problems. The Jets don’t have a safety net if Smith’s health is truly shaky, and relying on a rookie backup is always risky if you want to keep playoff dreams alive. Don’t be surprised if the Jets front office starts poking around for a veteran free agent; the stability just isn’t there if Klubnik needs to do more than spot duty.
This game did more than shuffle the depth chart — it shines a spotlight on the Jets’ risk at quarterback. Klubnik looked better than expected, but a rookie backup is always a gamble. The offense hummed with him under center, yet the bar is so low behind Smith that the Jets might be one rolled ankle from major instability. As a bettor, that makes you think twice about any long-term Jets props or win totals unless a proven veteran arrives for insurance.
Coach Aaron Glenn made his view clear — and that should reassure you about Klubnik’s readiness. Glenn said, “He has some moxy to him. Really a thumbs-up (performance) for him.” For a rookie stepping in as the primary backup, that’s about as strong an endorsement as you can ask for in August.
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