One of the biggest storylines coming out of Day 1 of joint practice between the New York Jets and Tampa Bay Buccaneers was the struggles of veteran quarterback Geno Smith. After several weeks of Smith playing well against his own defense, Tampa Bay posed a bit more of a challenge.
Smith started training camp hot. Early reports indicated he had a strong grasp of new offensive coordinator Frank Reich's offense, and he had several highlight plays linking up with the Jets' talented young skill players.
Then came yesterday's practice. Smith threw three interceptions (only two counted thanks to a defensive holding penalty), took two sacks, and was unable to complete a pass for more than seven or eight yards, per SNY's Connor Hughes.
Wednesday was thankfully a different story. Smith didn't come out guns blazing as some fans were looking for, but he certainly had a better day against the Buccaneers, and that's a step in the right direction.
Geno Smith takes minor step forward in Day 2 of New York Jets-Tampa Bay Buccaneers joint practice
Hughes gave another update at the conclusion of practice this afternoon, and while it still can't be considered a great day for Smith, he at least threw some touchdowns and had a few nice passing plays.
Geno Smith finished practice today 10 of 17 with a TD (red zone).
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) August 12, 2026
Had some moments, more consistent with short routes, but not a great day.
Thought #Bucs won both practices, but the Jets did compete. Wasn’t a butt kicking like Eagles & Packers gave NYJ a few years back.
If nothing else, Smith had a more "efficient" day than yesterday, completing six of his seven passes to start the day, including a "nice throw" over the middle to Garrett Wilson, per Hughes.
Some of the more notable connections today came with tight end Mason Taylor, who is seeing some increased usage with first-round draft choice Kenyon Sadiq sidelined as he recovers from a setback stemming from hernia surgery.
Touchdown #Jets. Geno Smith to Mason Taylor on a slant on 3rd and goal at the 5. Red zone period.
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) August 12, 2026
Geno also hit Taylor to convert a 3rd and 9 earlier.
Smith will have an opportunity to face this Buccaneers defense one last time on Friday night in the team's preseason opener, as head coach Aaron Glenn has made clear that he intends to play his starters at least for a little bit. It remains unclear just how many reps/drives they'll stay out for.
Update on New York Jets rookie QB Cade Klubnik
In other quarterback news, Jets rookie Cade Klubnik continued his one-step-forward, one-step-back training camp trend with a major highlight and bone-headed mistake.
On one play, Klubnik uncorked a 50-yard pass to wide receiver Arian Smith, resulting in a touchdown. The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt called it "one of the better deep balls we’ve seen in camp."
But the fourth-round pick followed it up with a silly interception. Looking to take another shot downfield, Klubnik let one loose, intended for seemingly no one, and it was picked off by a Bucs defender.
Cade Klubnik just threw a pick to a Bucs safety on a deep ball. Wasn’t really near a Jets receiver. https://t.co/F5qYEusbkz
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) August 12, 2026
Clearly, the Jets quarterbacks are still working out some kinks as they prepare for the regular season. Luckily, there's almost a month to go until the real games begin.
