By: Shara Taylor
The Jets scored with two field goals by kicker Greg Zuerlein, but it wasn’t enough. New York‘s missed opportunities, fumbles and interceptions were costly mistakes in their third match before the start of the regular season.
“The entire offensive side of the ball, the ball security wasn’t good enough today,” said Head Coach Robert Saleh.
It was evident in the game, starting with a scoreless first quarter for both teams. The second quarter saw the most scoring action. New York was first with a 31-yard field goal by Zuerlein. Tampa matched it with a field goal by kicker Rodrigo Blankenship on their second possession in the quarter. Wilson spun off attackers on the Jet’s next possession and made an impressive 35-yard dash down the sideline. Tampa stopped New York’s forward push from there, but Zuerlein hit another 38-yard field goal. Two minutes remained in the quarter and Tampa QB Kyle Trask passed to wide receiver Trey Palmer for a touchdown. Kicker Chase McLaughlin gave Tampa the extra point. New York trailed 10-6 at halftime.
It was a scoreless third quarter and New York also had missteps and unfavorable calls. Running back Israel Abanikanda fumbled; an incomplete pass call from Quarterback Tim Boyle to wide receiver T.J. Luther was reversed and determined to be an interception for the Buccs; and both teams missed attempted field goals.
McLaughlin gave Tampa another field goal to start the fourth quarter. New York could not catch up afterwards. Abanikanda was injured and assisted off the field and Boyle was sacked on New York’s next possession. Later Boyle’s pass was intercepted. Boyle passed to Travis Dye on New York’s last possession and Tampa forced a fumble, recovered the ball and secured the win.
Jet’s defense had 3 sacks and 50 total tackles. Safety Trey Dean led with 8 tackles. Buccs defense had 29 tackles.
Trask completed 20 of 28 passes for 218 yards and threw one touchdown for the Buccaneers. Tampa’s quarterback John Wolford threw 4 of 4 passes for 57 yards. He was injured after being sacked by defensive tackle Jalyn Holmes in the third quarter and had to be carted off the field. The game announcer stated Wolford had a neck injury and was taken to a local hospital. The Bucs tweeted Sunday Wolford was feeling better and went home with the team.
Boyle was 13 of 24 for 106 yards. Wilson completed 9 of 13 passes for 70 yards.
There were a few things he said he wanted to work on before the next game.
“Being comfortable within what the play is, how efficiently can I get through my reads, getting the ball distributed, of course having good pocket movements,” Wilson said.
Saleh was asked if Aaron Rodgers would start Saturday.
“We’ll see,” he said. “We’re going to have all the talks about how we’re going to handle this third one, whether or not we kind of want a dress rehearsal, not game plan or anything, but make sure everybody is getting out there to play.”
The Jets take on the New York Giants in their final preseason game.
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