Multiple fights, an injured quarterback, and a suffocating defense highlight first Buccaneers-Jets joint practice
The first edition of Buccaneers-Jets joint practice gave us plenty to talk about, as expected.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New York Jets held the first of two joint practice sessions on Tuesday and sure enough, there is plenty to break down.
So let’s go ahead and dive right on in.
1. Multiple fights break out during practice
Per reports, about four fights broke out during Buccaneers-Jets joint practice.
The first bout was between Luke Goedeke and Jets first-round rookie David Bailey. The No. 2 overall pick bull rushed Goedeke into the Buccaneers’ backfield. Some shoving ensued, Bailey slapped Goedeke’s helmet (never smart), but it was what Goedeke described as a “cheap shot” from Kingsley Enagbare that kicked everything off.
The next fight involved Goedeke, again. Baker Mayfield was picked off by Jets safety Jarius Monroe, which prompted the teams to undertake Round 2. This time, Goedeke was seen launching a Jets helmet about 15-20 yards downfield.
Round 3 involved A’Shawn Robinson, which is no surprise. The fiery defensive lineman is always about the smoke and threw a few punches at a Jets OL.
And then finally, it’s unclear who was the main culprit in Round 4, but it’s believed to be backup OL Ben Scott. That’s not completely confirmed, however.
Don’t get me wrong – it’s good to see this fire from the Buccaneers. However, they need to be a bit smarter and make sure this doesn’t get the best of them in an actual game.
2. Backup QB Jake Browning gets hurt
Browning got hurt about midway through practice and was seen limping off the field. He proceeded to go inside for an evaluation and didn’t come back out.
Todd Bowles said it’s a back injury. Browning was slated to start on Friday night, but now that’s uncertain for obvious reason. If he can’t go, it’ll be the Connor Bazelak/Jalon Daniels show.
3. The Buccaneers defense owns Geno Smith and the Jets offense in joint practice
Smith has always been a very up-and-down quarterback, with more of the latter than the former on display. The Buccaneers defense took full advantage of the Jets quarterback in joint practice, forcing multiple interceptions and plenty of mistakes.
Alex Anzalone and Damarion “Pepe” Williams both had pick-sixes and there are conflicting reports on whether or not Josiah Trotter joined the INT party. Per SNY’s Connor Hughes, Smith finished 10-of-16 with two red zone touchdowns, two interceptions, and was sacked twice.
Regardless, the Bucs defense took full advantage of a mistake-prone quarterback and that’s exactly what you want to see.
4. A very scary injury moment for a Jets player
Jets CB Qwan’tez Stiggers “fell out” during practice, according to Jets head coach Aaron Glenn. EMTs rushed to his aid and ambulance was brought onto the field. He was later be carried off the field via stretcher and was administered IV. He was also conscious, which is encouraging.
Still, it was a very scary situation and something no one ever wants to see. Here’s to hoping he makes a full recovery.
5. Other news and updates
Zyon McCollum, Benjamin Morrison, Tez Johnson, David Sills V, Vita Vea, and Tristan Wirfs didn’t practice. Per Pewter Report, Jalen McMillan was in pads, but didn’t participate in team drills. Baker Mayfield won’t play against the Jets on Friday night. That’s about it for the substantial, extracurricular updates.
