Joint practices are one of the best ways to get to know more about a team. It’s the first time during a season that players get to hit someone who is not a teammate. The gloves come off — sometimes literally — as players fight for their spots and teams get ready for the season.
The Jets just hosted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for a week of practice and the first preseason game of the year. Through the practices and the game many storylines emerged, but a few stood out among the rest.
No. 2 Pick David Bailey Dominated From Day One
A team’s first pick in the draft comes into their rookie year with eyes on them. Those eyes get even more glaring when that pick is second overall. David Bailey stared right back and had himself a week.
The No. 2 overall pick made his presence felt early in the week. Bailey was so dominant in one-on-one drills that it led to a fight between the offensive and defensive lines.
The rookie’s early performance will excite fans and the organization alike. The Buccaneers offensive line is nothing to scoff at. PFF has them ranked as the No. 3 unit heading into this season. If Bailey can keep up these types of performances, he may well live up to the billing of his draft spot.
Cade Klubnik Looked Like An Answer at Quarterback
The Jets have been in dire need of a franchise quarterback. Cade Klubnik looked like he could be that guy.
The rookie got the nod to start in week one of the preseason and immediately impressed in his two drives at the helm of the Jets offense. Klubnik was able to lead the Jets to back-to-back scoring drives and ended up five-for-seven with 56 yards in his preseason debut.
The poise and accuracy from Klubnik should be a beacon of hope for Jets fans. If the Austin native can follow in the footsteps of fellow Westlake alum Drew Brees, the Jets may have an answer to a question that has been plaguing the franchise.
UDFA Mory Bamba Made the Loudest Statement of All
Undrafted free agent Mory Bamba was the most compelling storyline in the Jets’ first preseason week.
The Jets heavily addressed the secondary during the offseason even before his signing. However, in the preseason opener against the Buccaneers, Bamba finished the game with four pass deflections, which was a game high. The former BYU defensive back’s emergence is a welcome development.
The Jets were the first team in NFL history to finish a season without an interception. Although New York did not record an interception against Tampa Bay, the Jets can benefit from having as many playmakers in the defensive backfield as possible.
Bamba showed that he has the potential to be a playmaker and all attention will be on him as the preseason continues.
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