Go beyond the box score to see how a strategic coaching decision by the New York Jets forced the rookie quarterback to navigate halftime adjustments and prove his mental toughness.
New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn was thinking ahead in the first half of Friday's night preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Rookie quarterback Cade Klubnik led the offense for the Jets' final possession of the second quarter. The drive ended in a 59-yard missed field goal (wide right) attempt by Cade York.
Klubnik had the opportunity to lead the offense on their opening drive of the third quarter. That drive ended on downs when a two-yard completion to Sam Scott failed to gain the three yards needed on fourth down.
When speaking to reporters after the game, Glenn said he wanted Klubnik to test out how he responded to halftime adjustments.
"You always want quarterbacks coming from college to [think], 'Okay, I'm playing the first half now, get a chance to come out after any type of adjustment and play in that second half,' so that was by design," Glenn said, via the Jets.
"He's going to grow any chance he's on the field."
Klubnik finished the contest going 10 of 14 for 75 yards. He added 16 yards on a scramble, becoming the Jets’ second-leading rusher on the night.
Glenn was unhappy with the running game. New York rushed 24 times for 62 yards in the 17-0 win over the Steelers.
Starting quarterback Geno Smith had what Glenn called an "efficient" night, going 7 of 7 for 65 yards and a touchdown pass to Jelani Woods.
Despite the shutout, Glenn believes there will be plenty of teachable moments for the team on the game tape.
“There's a number of things we have to improve on," Glenn said. "We're going to look at this tape and listen, when I challenge the guys, they do a good job of responding."
Overall, New York had a solid performance against the Steelers. The defense recorded two interceptions of Pittsburgh quarterback Will Howard and made rookie quarterback Drew Allar uncomfortable in the second half.
The Jets won the battle of total yards 288-242 while running 11 fewer plays than the Steelers.
The Jets will play the New York Giants on Friday night to round out the preseason.
