Geno Smith looked shaky during practice this week, and that reality puts Cade Klubnik in a prime position to steal the backup job. The Jets quarterback took too long on a touchdown throw that likely would have been a sack in a real game, per NY Post Sports. This isn’t just a bad day; it is a clear signal that the competition for the second spot is wide open. Coach Aaron Glenn wants to make the smart choice for Week 1, but the current momentum belongs to the younger player who showed up ready to work.
Practice Intensity vs. Game Reality
Glenn knows that practice does not always mimic the pressure of a live game, yet the misses were hard to ignore. Smith’s passes were off target several times, which suggests his timing is still off after missing the preseason opener with an ankle issue. The coach acknowledged the difficulty of the situation but emphasized that he wants to ensure his starters are ready. “It is, but I think the thing that we do quite a bit is make sure we have game intensity in practice, and I think our guys do a really good job of that,” Glenn said.
Despite the shaky reps, Smith returned to practice on Monday and has worked all three days this week. Glenn stated he has not seen any physical limitations in the veteran quarterback during these sessions. However, the visual evidence from the field tells a different story than the medical report. The Jets need a quarterback who can get the ball out fast, and Smith struggled to find a rhythm in the red zone.
The Soreness Factor
The ankle issue remains the elephant in the room, even if Smith is moving well now. Glenn was blunt about the nature of the injury when asked about Smith’s condition. “I just think there’s soreness,” Glenn said of Smith’s ankle. That word, soreness, implies a lingering problem that could flare up again if the quarterback takes too many hits or throws too hard. The coach noted that he has never been afraid of injuries because they are part of the game, but he also wants to be smart about player health.
If Smith cannot go in the second preseason game, it will be another chance for Klubnik to strengthen his hold on the backup role. The rookie started against the Buccaneers and played two series, giving him a head start on the learning curve. Glenn noted that players like Breece Hall, Garrett Wilson, and Demario Davis also face these same decisions as the team nears the regular season. The goal is to make the right call on playing the guys or not.
A Decision That Matters
Defense tackle Harrison Phillips would have had a sack of Cade Klubnik in a game, showing the rookie still has work to do. But the pressure on Smith is mounting with every errant throw and every delayed release. Glenn said Smith is a competitor who wants to make sure he gets those reps in, but the team must be smart too about how they go about doing things. The Jets cannot afford a quarterback who hesitates when the clock is running down.
The choice comes down to trust. Smith has the experience, but Klubnik has the fire and the fresh legs. If the coach decides to sit Smith, it sends a clear message that performance matters more than tenure. The team needs a backup who can step in without freezing up, and the evidence from this week suggests the path is shifting. Glenn wants to be a coach that makes sure he gets our guys ready for Week 1, and right now, that might mean giving the rookie more time.
