By Jalon Daniels, Ayden Garnes Steal Spotlight in Buccaneers’ 24-16 Win Over Jets
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers opened the preseason with a 24-16 victory over the New York Jets.
But the final score wasn’t nearly as important as what Tampa Bay learned about some of the young players fighting for roster spots.
With most of the Buccaneers’ starters sitting out, Tampa Bay used the night as an opportunity to evaluate the back end of its roster. Two players in particular made the most of it.
Quarterback Jalon Daniels provided a spark to the offense in the second half, while cornerback Ayden Garnes delivered the biggest defensive play of the night.
For TBSJ, Daniels and Garnes were the offensive and defensive players of the game.
Bazelak Gets a Difficult Assignment
The Buccaneers started third-string quarterback Connor Bazelak against a Jets defense that opened the game with its starters, and Tampa Bay’s offense struggled to find any rhythm.
Bazelak completed 10 of 15 passes for 72 yards, but the Buccaneers had difficulty sustaining drives and rarely threatened the end zone.
Tampa Bay finally put together a scoring opportunity in the second quarter, with Chase McLaughlin connecting on a 23-yard field goal to cut the Jets’ advantage to 10-3.
Bazelak had some opportunities downfield that he couldn’t connect on, including throws intended for rookie wide receiver Ted Hurst.
Hurst finished with two catches for 19 yards, but his final numbers could have been better. He created separation on multiple plays and could have added at least two more receptions with more accurate throws.
For a player fighting for a roster spot in a crowded receiver room, Hurst’s ability to get open may have been just as important as the two catches that appeared in the box score.
Ayden Garnes Changes the Game
With Tampa Bay trailing 10-3, Garnes delivered the play that completely changed the momentum.
The rookie cornerback intercepted Jets quarterback Bailey Zappe and returned it 47 yards for a touchdown, tying the game at 10.
It was exactly the type of splash play Garnes needed as he attempts to turn an impressive training camp into a spot on the 53-man roster.
Garnes also recorded a sack and continued to show the aggressive style that has made him one of the more interesting young defensive players in Buccaneers camp.
For his ability to directly change the game, Garnes earns TBSJ’s Defensive Player of the Game.
One preseason performance won’t guarantee him a roster spot, but Garnes certainly helped himself.
Jalon Daniels Takes Command
The biggest offensive story came after halftime.
Daniels took over at quarterback and played the entire second half, immediately bringing a different dimension to Tampa Bay’s offense.
The rookie completed 10 of 15 passes and showed poise, command of the offense, and, perhaps most importantly, the ability to create when a play broke down.
Daniels didn’t simply rely on his legs. He looked comfortable going through the offense and delivering the football, but his mobility gave the Jets another element to defend.
That became evident when Daniels scored on a one-yard touchdown run.
He later directed another touchdown drive that ended with Josh Williams scoring on an 11-yard run, helping Tampa Bay take control of the game.
Daniels looked like he belonged.
For a quarterback making his NFL preseason debut, that may have been the most encouraging part of his performance.
He didn’t look overwhelmed. He didn’t seem hurried.
His performance should also make the competition for Tampa Bay’s third quarterback spot much more interesting over the final weeks of the preseason.
Based strictly on the opener, Daniels took an important step forward.
For his command of the offense and ability to lead Tampa Bay to two second-half touchdowns, Daniels is TBSJ’s Offensive Player of the Game.
Young Buccaneers Defense Finishes Strong
Tampa Bay’s defense also deserves credit for how it responded after the Jets built an early lead.
The Buccaneers allowed only two New York field goals in the second half, giving Daniels and the offense opportunities to take control.
The pass rush also produced encouraging moments.
Jack Pyburn recorded two sacks, while Elijiah Roberts also got to the quarterback. Garnes also added a sack
For a Buccaneers defense looking to develop more depth and create more consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks, those performances will get the coaching staff’s attention.
A Productive First Look
There were mistakes, as expected in the first preseason game.
Tampa Bay’s special teams were shaky, the offense struggled in parts of the first half, and the coaching staff will have plenty to correct when the Buccaneers return to practice.
But preseason games are ultimately about evaluation and fixing mistakes.
The Buccaneers needed to find out which young players would take advantage of increased playing time with the starters watching from the sideline.
Friday night provided a few answers.
Hurst showed he can create opportunities in the passing game. Pyburn and Roberts flashed as pass rushers. Bazelak battled through a difficult first-half assignment against New York’s starting defense.
But two players separated themselves from the rest.
Ayden Garnes made the defensive play of the game. Jalon Daniels took control of the offense in the second half.
The Buccaneers left New York with a 24-16 victory.
More importantly, they left with two young players who took a huge step toward securing a roster spot.
