The New York Jets won't spend much time worrying about the scoreboard after a 23-16 preseason loss to theTampa Bay Buccaneers.
That's not how preseason evaluations work. For Aaron Glenn and his coaching staff, the bigger objective was identifying which players are ready for larger roles, which position battles remain unresolved, and what lessons can be carried into the remainder of the exhibition schedule.
The result wasn't ideal. However, the game provided several noteworthy takeaways. It was good to see the guys in action vs. live competition, and as a result, we all learned much about where Glenn's squad is currently.
Here are Jets Wire's six things we learned in the first week of the preseason:
Cade Klubnik looked more comfortable than Bailey Zappe
The Jets didn't leave Cade Klubnik on the field
for very long. The rookie quarterback's evening ended after only two series, but there was still plenty to like about what he showed.
Klubnik looked poised, comfortable, and in command of the offense.
Low-pressure preseason reps against reserve defenders and players fighting for roster spots can be valuable for a young quarterback's growth. Based on what was seen Friday night, Klubnik appears to be benefiting from those opportunities. The backup quarterback competition isn't over, but the rookie may have helped his cause.
The Jets may have something in Mory Bamba
Every preseason seems to produce a player few people were discussing when camp began, a player who seems to catapult his way into the collective subconscious. For the Jets, Mory Bamba may be becoming one of those players.
The undrafted free agent consistently found ways to impact the game. He made plays near the goal line, contributed on special teams, and remained active throughout the evening. His performance became even more impressive after a brief scare in the third quarter sent him to the medical tent for evaluation. Bamba later returned to action and continued competing.
Making the 53-man roster remains an uphill battle. Still, he has done exactly what coaches want from undrafted rookies: maximize every opportunity.
Isaiah Williams appears ahead of Omar Cooper Jr.
One of the more revealing moments occurred when Isaiah Williams earned the start alongside Garrett Wilson and Adonai Mitchell, a strong indication that he currently sits ahead of rookie Omar Cooper Jr. on the depth chart. That's not necessarily a negative reflection on Cooper. Rookies often need time to develop, and the Jets remain high on his long-term outlook.
But Williams has quietly put together a strong training camp, and Friday's lineup decisions reflected that reality. The receiver competition remains fluid, but Williams appears to have established an early advantage over an exciting rookie.
David Bailey continues proving the Jets right
The debate surrounding the Jets' decision to select David Bailey second overall has become increasingly quiet. Performances like Friday's explain why. Even with limited snaps, Bailey commanded attention from Tampa Bay's offensive line.
Early in the game, he drew a double-team and helped create the pressure that led to a Will McDonald IV sack. Those plays don't always appear on the stat sheet, but they matter. Elite defensive linemen often influence games by forcing offenses to account for them on every snap. Bailey already appears capable of doing exactly that. It's only the preseason, but the rookie continues validating the Jets' faith in him.
The Jets' depth remains a work in progress
This takeaway isn't unique to New York. It's true for most NFL teams this time of year. The quality of play noticeably dipped as starters gave way to backups and backups gave way to players fighting for the final roster spots.
The difference was particularly evident late in the game when execution became less consistent on both sides of the ball. That shouldn't trigger alarm bells. Preseason football is often defined by those fluctuations as teams work through large portions of their rosters. The primary goal remains reaching Week 1 healthy while identifying which reserves can be trusted when the games count.
Breece Hall and Braelon Allen looked ready
The Jets have high expectations for their running game entering 2026. Friday offered a glimpse of why. Breece Hall nearly broke free for a long touchdown on the opening drive before being tripped up by a defender who barely managed to get a hand on him.
A few possessions later, Braelon Allen showcased his own explosiveness with a breakaway run that highlighted both his vision and power. Allen probably won't average double-digit yards per carry during the regular season. That isn't the takeaway.
The takeaway is that both backs looked healthy, decisive, and capable of generating explosive plays. After Allen's injury-shortened 2025 campaign, seeing him produce in live action was one of the night's more encouraging developments.
The Jets left the field with a loss, but that's unlikely to be the lasting memory from their preseason opener. The more important developments involved young players continuing to grow, roster hopefuls strengthening their cases, and several key contributors showing signs that they could play meaningful roles once the regular season arrives.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: What we learned from Jets' 23-16 loss vs. Buccaneers in Preseason Week 1
