Jets QB PFF Grades vs Steelers

The New York Jets picked up their first preseason win on Friday night, shutting out the Pittsburgh Steelers 17-0. The Jets used all four quarterbacks, and the PFF grades were interesting, especially at the top. Brady Cook finished with the highest grade at 90.2, followed closely by Geno Smith at 87.8. Cade Klubnik received a 62.1, while Bailey Zappe finished at 59.4.

Jets QB PFF Grades vs. Steelers

• Brady Cook: 90.2
• Geno Smith: 87.8
• Cade Klubnik: 62.1
• Bailey Zappe: 59.4

Geno Smith

Smith’s grade matched what we saw on the field. After missing the preseason opener with an ankle injury, he completed all seven of his passes for 65 yards. The opening drive went 69 yards on 10 plays and ended with Smith finding Jelani Woods for a 13-yard touchdown. That was it for Geno, and there wasn’t much reason to send him back out there. The Jets wanted to get him some live game action after the ankle injury, and seven completions, 65 yards and a touchdown checked every box. He looked comfortable, got the ball out quickly and, most importantly, appeared healthy.

Cade Klubnik

Klubnik received a 62.1 PFF grade after completing 10 of 14 passes for 75 yards. The numbers weren’t spectacular, but this preseason continues to be about getting the rookie meaningful reps and giving the Jets more film to evaluate. He was under a lot of pressure all night, so it is encouraging that he avoided making any big mistakes. The Jets aren’t asking him to be the starter right now. They are developing a young quarterback behind Geno, and the preseason finale against the Giants will give him one more opportunity before the regular season begins.

Brady Cook, Bailey Zappe and the QB3 Battle

Cook’s 90.2 grade obviously comes with a very small sample size. He only attempted two passes, but his one completion was a 31-yard touchdown to Quincy Skinner Jr. late in the fourth quarter. When you’re fighting for a roster spot and don’t get many opportunities, that’s a good way to make the most of them. The Cook grade also adds another question with roster cuts approaching. In Sarge’s Jets roster analysis, he has Bailey Zappe making the team as QB3. Zappe has the NFL experience, but can Cook make this interesting with one preseason game remaining?

It’s only preseason and PFF grades certainly aren’t the final word, but a 90.2 is a good way for Cook to make sure his name stays in the conversation. With one game left before roster cuts, the battle at the bottom of the quarterback depth chart is worth keeping an eye on.