Five Jets winners from the preseason opener against the Buccaneers
The Jets’ first preseason game of 2026 is in the books. Let’s talk about five players who helped themselves. Cade Klubnik: Klubnik got a surprise start in the preseason opener due to a Geno Smith ankle injury. Any rookie quarterback tends to get overanalyzed in exhibition games. Klubnik didn’t do anything spectacular, but he was […]
Five players from the New York Jets stood out during their preseason opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to the USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co.
Cade Klubnik, who started the game due to an ankle injury to Geno Smith, completed 5 of 7 passes for the Jets. While not spectacular, Klubnik was efficient and avoided any major mistakes, putting him ahead of the other Jets quarterbacks in the competition.
Defensive end Will McDonald, who had been overlooked after the team added two other defensive ends in free agency, started the game after Joseph Ossai's injury. McDonald recorded a sack in limited action, proving his ability to perform despite facing backups.
Running back Braelon Allen, competing with Breece Hall for the second starting spot, broke a 31-yard touchdown run in the first half of the game. Despite the competition being non-starters, Allen's impressive performance suggests he still has the speed and talent to recover from his own knee injury.
Cornerback Mory Bamba, often tested in coverage situations, made an impact by breaking up 4 passes and standing out on special teams. His strong performance is one of the most impressive examples of an off the radar player earning a surprise roster spot in recent memory.
Kicker Cade York had a technically perfect night, but the officials blew the call when he failed to make a 38-yard field goal attempt in the first half. Jason Sanders, however, connected on a 47-yard field goal attempt, which is likely to catch the coaches' attention as they grade the kicking competition.
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