Jets offense should be able to capitalize in 1 area during joint practice with Buccaneers

Heading into joint practice with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the New York Jets will be able to test multiple areas of their roster against an external opponent-- the first time this offseason.

Jets fans will surely be keeping an eye on No. 2 overall pick David Bailey, who will face his first major test not named Armand Membou when he rushes against Bucs' Pro Bowl left tackle Tristan Wirfs.

On the opposite side of the ball, the Jets' offensive line will have its hands full against Tampa Bay's blitz-happy defense. New York's front five will have to fine-tune their communication to handle some of Todd Bowles' looks.

But there is one area where the Jets offense should be able to target and produce highlight plays on, and that's Tampa Bay's questionable secondary.

Geno Smith & the New York Jets passing game should excel in joint practice

The Pewter Plank's Josh Crysler highlighted several matchups to watch throughout the week of joint practice between the Jets and the Buccaneers, and specifically named Tampa Bay's cornerbacks as a concern for the team.

"This will be an important test for the Bucs’ young cornerback room. If Tampa Bay’s defensive backs can hold their own against a dangerous group of pass-catchers, it could provide some much-needed confidence heading into the regular season."

Crysler names fourth-year cornerback Zyon McCollum as a player Tampa Bay is counting on a bounce-back year from. He'll have his hands full trying to defend superstar wide receiver Garrett Wilson.

McCollum ranked as Pro Football Focus' 52nd-best cornerback in the league last season, earning a 63.9 overall grade for his 13 starts in 2025. He allowed a 94.1 passer rating when targeted in coverage.

If Geno Smith can't get the ball to his No. 1 wide receiver, there should certainly be some raised eyebrows headed his direction from Jets fans.

Second-year cornerbacks Benjamin Morrison and Jacob Parrish, Tampa Bay's second- and third-round picks from the 2025 NFL Draft, are both competing for the starting spot opposite McCollum, according to Crysler.

Their likely assignment will be defending Adonai Mitchell, New York's training camp star and hopeful breakout candidate ahead of the 2026 season.

In the slot, fourth-round rookie Keionte Scott will be testing himself against a fellow member of the 2026 NFL Draft class, Omar Cooper Jr. We'll see which first-year player is further ahead in their development.

If the Jets' passing game can't move the ball against the questionable secondary of the Bucs' defense, there will be some legitimate questions about how this offense will perform in 2026.

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