Jets rookie Cade Klubnik is already facing unfair expectations

Last we checked, New York Jets quarterback Cade Klubnik will open his rookie season on the bench. 

Not that anyone should be surprised given Geno Smith’s presence. 

However, the latest trend among national media outlets is that Klubnik should — or even will — be starting before the season ends. 

Sports Illustrated’s Justin Melo went one step further, writing that Klubnik has “zero room for error” and must eventually take the starting job from Smith.

Melo then implied that Klubnik’s rookie campaign would otherwise be considered a failure. 

The media is already manufacturing false Jets' Cade Klubnik narratives

Take this from the Cade Klubnik Fan Club’s founder, CEO, and (imaginary) benefactor. 

The expectations for Klubnik should be that he develops and is not rushed into action. 

Speculation continues to mount that Klubnik could beat out Bailey Zappe for the backup quarterback job. 

But even if Klubnik is the No. 2 come September, we shouldn’t collectively be preparing for him to start by Thanksgiving.

More than anything, I’m strongly against the idea that Klubnik’s rookie season would be a failure if he doesn’t stuff the stat sheet. 

The Jets don’t need Klubnik to play as a rookie. Very rarely is that the expectation for any quarterback taken on the draft’s third day. 

In fact, outside of Fernando Mendoza, I’m not sure any rookie quarterback falls into that category. 

Perhaps you could make the case for Carson Beck in Arizona, though that’s also dependent on Jacoby Brissett’s contract situation. 

The Jets have reiterated for months that they view Smith as the starter. Barring injury or his best Nathan Peterman impression, he’ll likely maintain that role through at least the end of October. 

From there, who knows? And while that sounds like a cop-out answer, consider the greater context. 

If the Jets truly believe that Klubnik could grow into a solid quarterback, what’s the issue in bringing him along slowly?

And, no, this has nothing to do with next year’s draft and the Jets’ three first-round picks. 

Sometimes, it’s better to hit singles and get on base rather than always try for the home run. 

There are plenty of ways we could eventually call Klubnik’s rookie season a failure, with turnovers being the probable culprit. 

But I won’t be criticizing the Jets if Klubnik is still holding a clipboard in Week 10. 

That said, call me in Week 16 if the Jets are well out of the playoff race and Klubnik isn’t on the field. 

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