Report Card Grades from the Bucs' preseason win over the Jets

The Buccaneers kicked off their 2026 season with a solid 24-16 preseason victory over the New York Jets, providing young players an opportunity to secure more playing time or a roster spot. The Bucs' defense impressed, particularly rookie cornerback Ayden Garnes, who recorded a second-quarter pick-six. Rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels took over the offense in the second half, leading to the team's lone two touchdown drives.

While the result was encouraging, head coach Todd Bowles will likely address several issues before the next preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Quarterback Connor Bazelak, serving as the third-stringer, struggled with ball placement and lacked athleticism, while Jalon Daniels showcased his abilities and earned the starting role next week.

Running backs Josh Williams and Kadarius Calloway had limited success, averaging 3.4 yards per carry, while Ted Hurst stood out as the top performer among wide receivers, complementing Jalon Daniels' play style. The offensive line received a D+ grade due to the lack of starting offensive linemen and their poor performance. The defensive line started slowly but improved, with Elijah Roberts leading with a sack and two tackles for a loss.

Linebacker David Walker demonstrated his potential with a crucial interception, but Chris Braswell underperformed as a pass rusher. The secondary played a physical style of football, with Ayden Garnes and Rashad Wisdom contributing significant picks and tackles. However, special teams coach Riley Dixon struggled with high-pressure situations, while Kadarius Calloway also had a poor performance on return kicks.