Geno Smith 'Throwing The Mess Out of the Ball,' Says Jets Insider and New Rumors on Cade Klubnik

While Geno Smith impressed for the New York Jets during Friday night's preseason matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, more clarity is emerging regarding the battle for the backup gig.

"They're still working that out. Cade Klubnik, the early Day 3 draft pick, has been growing in profile behind the scenes in recent weeks. They are high on him," ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported during Saturday's SportsCenter. "Now, he was accurate last night, but he didn't score any points on his several drives. So, it was a situation where he could've taken the reins on that QB2 job, didn't quite do it yet. But it appears that he should be able to beat out Brady Cook and Bailey Zappe, the veteran. So, they like what they see, and he'll be on the roster regardless, most likely, but he's vying for that QB2 job. The signs are good so far, just didn't put up any points last night. Smith has been throwing 'the mess' out of the ball. That's the phrase that was used behind the scenes from people with the Jets. They're really excited."

Smith looked impressive in his first preseason action on Friday, finishing 7-of-7 for 65 yards and a touchdown. New York improved the offense around him in the offseason, drafting wideout Omar Cooper Jr. and tight end Kenyon Sadiq in the first round, and the early signs against the Steelers were promising.

"Very, very efficient," Jets coach Aaron Glenn told reporters after the game. "He threw to five different receivers, he looked really comfortable. It was exactly what we were looking for."

Meanwhile, Klubnik finished 10-of-14 for 75 yards, though he didn't lead the Jets on any scoring drives. Still, the fourth-round pick appears to be in the driver's seat to win the backup gig.