New York Jets 2026 NFL training camp is underway and we have a twist this week: A joint practice.
The Jets and Tampa Bay Buccaneers will do battle in their preseason opener on Friday. Ahead of that, the two sides agreed to get together for a pair of practices which certainly spiced things up.
What unfolded between the Jets and Bucs ahead of their exhibition clash?
Jere are Jets Wire's three observations from their first joint practice:
Many fights
It's best to let those in attendance do the talking. But there were several fights between the two teams. At one point, a helmet flew through the air after it was ripped off. Things will be settled down by Day 2 of joint practices:
There have been basically no fights all of Jets camp. Today there have been at least
three. All involving the Jets’ firey youngsters getting into it with Bucs players: David Bailey, Armand Membou and Darrell Jackson.
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) August 11, 2026
A Tampa OL just show off his old HS hammer-throw days by launching a Jets helmet 30 feet in the air after a much bigger scrum. Happened after an INT, didn’t see who picked it off or who were the fire starters. Not the first team, I don’t think (need fact-checking on that one).
— Robby Sabo (@RobbySabo) August 11, 2026
Is Bailey real?
In terms of actual football, the Jets' top rookie in David Bailey impressed once again. Bailey has all throughout basic training camp practices... and yes, these were practices with the Bucs as well. But it's very note worthy that Bailey once again stood out against another team and different opposition:
David Bailey just busted into the backfield and would’ve had a sack of Baker Mayfield. Bailey looking explosive today. That first step is fun to watch. #Jets
— Dennis Waszak Jr. (@DWAZ73) August 11, 2026
Offense loses
According to various reports, the Jets offense struggled. Quarterback Geno Smith eventually finished well on a deep pass to Garrett Wilson which is a good sign, but a lot of the day it was the Buccaneers defense that won.
11-on-11s #Jets QB Geno Smith had a deflected pass that ended up in Garrett Wilson’s hands, he juked out a bunch of #Bucs defenders, & dove into the end zone for a touchdown. Crowd erupted.
— Paul Andrew Esden Jr (@BoyGreen25) August 11, 2026
Geno Smith is 8 of 13 passing with 2 INTs, taken two sacks. No completions beyond ~ 7 or 8 yards (the Wilson in route). #Jets
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) August 11, 2026
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: 3 takeaways from Jets' first joint practice with the Buccaneers
