The New York Jets dropped their preseason opener 24-16 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but found some key bright spots within their team.

Several players flashed real potential, and for a team looking to build depth heading into the regular season, that matters more than the final score in a game that doesn’t count. 

Cade Klubnik makes the most of his opportunity

None of the Jets quarterbacks put together a jaw-dropping performance. Bailey Zappe certainly struggled with 2 interceptions (one being a pick-6), and that’s not what you want to see from a veteran backup. But rookie quarterback Cade Klubnik out of Clemson had the best night of the group, and I think that’s worth paying attention to.

What made the night even more valuable for Klubnik was the circumstance. Geno Smith had to sit out due to ankle/foot soreness, which pushed Klubnik into early action with starters like wide receiver Garrett Wilson and running back Breece Hall still on the field. That’s real reps with real playmakers, and for a rookie, that kind of experience is invaluable, and maybe a taste of what’s to come. Klubnik definitely showed some efficiency along with on-time playmaking and a confident approach. It’s great stuff to see from a late round rookie in his NFL debut. 

Klubnik still has two more preseason games to continue building, but the early returns were encouraging. I think the Jets should feel good about what they saw from him. Honestly, depending on how Geno Smith does during the season, I wouldn’t rule out playing Klubnik at some point. 

Braelon Allen’s touchdown run is a big deal

Braelon Allen had an impressive touchdown run, and look, this is the kind of play that matters for New York’s offensive depth. The Jets offense is going to lean heavily on Breece Hall this season. Everyone knows that. But they still need a capable No. 2 back who can take some of the load off and provide a different dimension.

Allen getting back healthy from his MCL sprain suffered in Week 4 last year and showing he can be an impact player again would be huge for this offense. If he can carry that momentum through the rest of the preseason, the Jets are going to be in a much better spot come September. Because of the injury, Allen hasn’t really done much since his rookie year and even then he was rotating as the number two back at points with Isaiah Davis. I believe in his potential much more than that of Davis and would love to see him springboard to become the clear RB2. 

Bamba Island is open for business

Now, on defense, I don’t even know if I need to talk about anything other than Mory Bamba. Or as Jets coach Aaron Glenn referred to him after the game, “Bamba Island.” He was all over the field with four pass breakups on the night, and for an undrafted guy out of BYU, that is exceptional.

Bamba wasn’t really on my radar at all heading into the preseason, but he is now. And the fact that he impressed Glenn, who was a former defensive back himself, could go a long way for Bamba’s chances of making the roster. You just root for the underdogs like that. An undrafted free agent coming in and making that kind of splash in his first preseason game is the type of story that makes August football worth watching.

Looking ahead

The Jets still have two more preseason games against the Steelers and Giants to evaluate their roster, and I think they should feel encouraged by what they saw in the opener despite the loss. Klubnik showed he can handle the moment, Allen proved he’s healthy and productive, and Bamba put the entire secondary room on notice. I’m excited to see this group build on it, and hey, maybe a win or two would be good for team morale. Let’s hope they can find one.