11 instant reactions to Jets' preseason loss to Buccaneers

The New York Jets' 2026 season is officially underway, kicking off the preseason at MetLife Stadium against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Friday night, culminating in a 24-16 loss.

After a late scratch for veteran quarterback Geno Smith, fourth-round rookie Cade Klubnik got the starting nod and impressed throughout the first quarter and a half of the matchup.

New York didn't suffer any major injuries throughout the contest, and it seemed like Jets fans were excited to be back at MetLife Stadium under the bright lights. Here are our instant reactions to the loss.

Instant takeaways from Jets' up-and-down performance in the preseason opener

1. The Buccaneers received the ball to start the game, meaning we saw an early look at the Jets' starting defense. Harrison Phillips and David Onyemata started on the interior of the defensive line, while Azareye'h Thomas and Andre Cisco got the nod over Nahshon Wright and Dane Belton in the secondary.

Note: Cisco remained on the field when the Jets' second-team defense took the field early in the second quarter, signifying that he doesn't have a starting gig locked up just yet. Also, Nahshon Wright was inactive as he continues to deal with a hip injury.

2. Conversely, when the Jets' starting offense took the field, there were few surprises. The only notable new starter was at wide receiver, when Isaiah Williams took the field alongside Garrett Wilson and Adonai Mitchell. Williams has been a favorite of the coaching staff throughout training camp.

3. Speaking of Garrett Wilson, man, it's good to see him back on the football field. His first catch since October 2025 came on a pass from Cade Klubnik, a little higher than he probably would've liked, but Wilson went up and snagged it anyway.

4. Cade Klubnik got his first taste of NFL action in the preseason opener and looked relatively comfortable behind the Jets' starting offensive line. He completed 4-of-6 passes for 51 yards and orchestrated a 12-play, 65-yard drive that ended in a 27-yard Cade York field goal.

5. It seems the Buccaneers remembered just how badly David Bailey harassed their offense throughout joint practice earlier in the week. Tampa Bay was paying extra attention to him, sending a double team and a chip his way on the Bucs' second offensive possession. He finished his night with one tackle and one pressure on eight snaps.

6. Welcome back, Braelon Allen! In his first taste of football since that dreaded Monday night in Miami in Week 4 of the 2025 season, the third-year running back burst through the Jets' second-team offensive line and bounded into the end zone on a 31-yard touchdown run. He's sure to have a role as the primary complementary back behind Breece Hall.

7. Undrafted free agent cornerback Mory Bamba appeared on the scene this evening with a touchdown-saving pass break-up on Bucs WR Ted Hurst. He finished the night with four pass breakups, but missed a large chunk of the game after being checked out for a concussion. Bamba was first up on the second-team defense, but it's worth noting that both Nahshon Wright and Qwan'tez Stiggers were inactive tonight.

8. The Jets made a quarterback change halfway through the second quarter, moving Klubnik to the bench and inserting Bailey Zappe under center. Zappe, the most experienced quarterback on the roster not named Geno Smith, almost immediately threw a pick-six to Ayden Garnes. Not a good opening statement on his bid for the backup quarterback job.

9. Zappe throws another interception on the following drive... but this one wasn't necessarily on him. Second-year wide receiver Arian Smith, who had a disappointing rookie season, to say the least, let the pass slip through his hands. It bounced right to Buccaneers defender Rashad Wisdom.

10. With Isaiah Williams securing his spot on the first-team offense, Omar Cooper Jr. was relegated to the second team and stayed in the game deep into the second quarter. The rookie wideout made the most of his reps, hauling in two passes for 31 yards. His development is clearly still a work in progress.

11. The kicking competition is in full swing, and neither Cade York nor Jason Sanders gained or lost ground against the Buccaneers. They rotated on tries, with both York and Sanders making all of their attempts. York went 2-for-2 on field goal attempts, while Sanders drilled his lone field goal and extra point attempts.

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