New York Jets vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers Match Player Stats

The new york jets vs tampa bay buccaneers match player stats from the 2026 NFL preseason opener tell a much more interesting story than the final score alone. Tampa Bay defeated New York 24-16 at MetLife Stadium on August 14, 2026, after the Jets opened the game with a 10-0 advantage. The Buccaneers then turned the contest around through defensive takeaways, quarterback play from Jalon Daniels, and several important performances from young players competing for roster positions.

For anyone studying this matchup, the most useful approach is not simply to look at who scored the most points. Preseason football is largely about evaluating players, combinations, depth, execution, and how individual performances change as different units enter the game.

That makes this matchup especially useful for examining quarterback efficiency, rushing production, receiving opportunities, defensive pressure, turnovers, and special teams. The Jets produced 284 total yards compared with Tampa Bay’s 245, yet the Buccaneers won because their defense created two interceptions and returned one of them for a touchdown.

Table of Contents

New York Jets vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers Match Player Stats at a Glance

The game finished with Tampa Bay ahead 24-16.

Category	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	New York Jets
Final Score	24	16
Total Yards	245	284
Passing Yards	176	193
Rushing Yards	69	91
Passing TDs	0	0
Rushing TDs	2	1
Turnovers	0	2
Sacks	4	1
Interceptions	2	0
Time of Possession	31:46	28:14
Yards Per Play	4.0	5.0

The basic numbers show an important contrast. New York moved the ball more effectively on a yardage-per-play basis, but Tampa Bay controlled the most decisive category: turnovers. The Buccaneers finished with no turnovers of their own and intercepted Jets quarterbacks twice.

That distinction is important when reading preseason statistics. A team can accumulate more yards and still lose because a handful of high-impact plays change the scoring environment.

How the Game Developed

The Jets started with more momentum. New York scored 10 points in the opening quarter while Tampa Bay failed to score. Braelon Allen supplied the biggest early play, breaking a 31-yard touchdown run that gave the Jets a 10-0 advantage.

Tampa Bay responded with a 23-yard field goal from Chase McLaughlin before Ayden Garnes produced the play that dramatically changed the game.

Garnes intercepted Bailey Zappe and returned the ball 47 yards for a touchdown. That tied the game at 10-10 and gave the Buccaneers defense a direct scoring contribution.

Rashad Wisdom then intercepted another Jets pass later in the half. New York recovered some momentum before halftime and took a 13-10 lead into the break after Cade York converted a 38-yard field goal.

The second half belonged to Tampa Bay. Jalon Daniels took over at quarterback and helped guide two touchdown drives. Josh Williams scored on a 12-yard rushing touchdown, while Daniels later scored himself on a one-yard keeper.

The Buccaneers eventually established a 24-16 advantage and held on for the win.

Quarter-by-Quarter Score

Quarter	Tampa Bay	New York
First	0	10
Second	10	3
Third	7	0
Fourth	7	3
Final	24	16

The scoring pattern illustrates the game’s momentum shift.

New York dominated the opening period, but Tampa Bay gradually took control after halftime. The Buccaneers’ defense helped keep the Jets from converting their early advantage into a larger lead, while the offense became more productive once Daniels entered the game.

Tampa Bay Quarterback Statistics

Tampa Bay used multiple quarterbacks, creating an opportunity to compare how each passer handled the game.

Connor Bazelak

The supplied statistics credit Bazelak with:

12 completions on 20 attempts
72 passing yards
3.6 yards per attempt
0 touchdowns
0 interceptions
1 sack
67.1 passer rating

Bazelak started the game for Tampa Bay while the Buccaneers rested their regular starters. Official team reporting confirms that he completed 12 of 20 passes for 72 yards.

His statistical profile reflects a difficult assignment. Tampa Bay’s reserves faced a Jets defense that included several starters early in the contest. Will McDonald IV recorded a sack on the opening Buccaneers possession, immediately putting pressure on the offense.

Jalon Daniels

Daniels produced the most notable quarterback performance for Tampa Bay.

His supplied line was:

10 completions on 15 attempts
111 passing yards
7.4 yards per attempt
0 passing touchdowns
0 interceptions
0 sacks
88.5 passer rating
3 rushing attempts
9 rushing yards
1 rushing touchdown

Official Buccaneers reporting confirms the 10-of-15, 111-yard passing performance and his one-yard rushing touchdown.

The important part of Daniels’ performance was not simply the completion percentage. He also avoided turnovers, handled pressure situations, and helped Tampa Bay produce two second-half touchdown drives.

His mobility mattered as well. Several plays showed Daniels extending possessions with his legs when the pocket became uncomfortable.

That combination is particularly relevant in a preseason competition because coaches are evaluating whether a quarterback can keep an offense functioning when the original play breaks down.

New York Quarterback Statistics

New York also used several quarterbacks, with Cade Klubnik opening the game before Bailey Zappe and Brady Cook received opportunities.

Cade Klubnik

The supplied statistics show:

5 completions on 7 attempts
56 yards
8.0 yards per attempt
0 touchdowns
0 interceptions
1 sack
94.9 passer rating

Klubnik’s short appearance was efficient. Official Jets reporting confirms that he started and helped lead two scoring drives.

His connection with Garrett Wilson was one of the more notable early offensive sequences. Wilson caught two passes for 32 yards, including completions that moved the chains during the opening portion of the game.

Because Klubnik played only a limited number of possessions, his numbers should be viewed in that context rather than treated as a full-game projection.

Bailey Zappe

The supplied line for Zappe was:

6 completions on 10 attempts
55 yards
5.5 yards per attempt
0 touchdowns
2 interceptions
2 sacks
35.4 passer rating

The two interceptions were the biggest problem in his appearance.

The first became a 47-yard pick-six by Ayden Garnes. Zappe then threw another interception to Rashad Wisdom. Those turnovers gave Tampa Bay the opportunity to swing the game without needing a high-volume passing attack.

This is an excellent example of why quarterback statistics should be read beyond completion percentage. A quarterback can complete several passes and still dramatically affect the outcome through turnovers.

Brady Cook

The supplied data credits Cook with:

9 completions on 15 attempts
108 yards
7.2 yards per attempt
0 touchdowns
0 interceptions
1 sack
82.1 passer rating

Official Jets reporting lists Cook at 8 completions on 13 attempts for 88 yards, so there is a discrepancy between the supplied dataset and the official team recap.

For a publication that requires exact box-score figures, this particular line should be verified against the final official game book before being used as a definitive statistical record.

Rushing Production

The rushing comparison was one of the clearest statistical advantages for New York.

Tampa Bay recorded 25 rushing attempts for 69 yards, while New York recorded 21 attempts for 91 yards.

That gave the Jets a 4.3-yard average compared with Tampa Bay’s 2.8-yard average.

However, the Buccaneers converted their rushing opportunities into two touchdowns, while New York scored once on the ground.

Braelon Allen Leads the Jets

Allen was one of New York’s most explosive offensive players.

His supplied statistics:

4 carries
44 yards
11.0 yards per carry
1 touchdown
31-yard long

The 31-yard touchdown was the game’s first major offensive explosion. Official Jets reporting confirms that Allen broke the 31-yard scoring run during the opening quarter.

His performance was particularly noticeable because it came early, against Tampa Bay’s defensive unit before the game settled into deeper rotations.

A single 31-yard run also explains why average rushing statistics can sometimes be misleading in small samples. Allen averaged 11 yards per attempt, but four carries are not enough to establish a long-term rushing trend.

Breece Hall

The supplied data credits Hall with:

4 carries
16 yards
4.0 yards per carry
14-yard long
0 touchdowns

Hall also appeared in the passing game, but his receiving production was not among New York’s largest totals.

His presence mattered because the Jets were using the preseason opener to give selected starters meaningful game action while other regular contributors were held out.

Tampa Bay’s Josh Williams

Williams provided one of Tampa Bay’s key offensive moments.

The supplied dataset lists:

8 carries
27 yards
3.4 yards per carry
1 touchdown
12-yard long

The official Buccaneers recap lists Williams at seven carries for 28 yards and a 12-yard touchdown.

Regardless of the minor statistical discrepancy, the important game event is consistent: Williams scored on a 12-yard run during the third quarter and gave Tampa Bay its first lead after halftime.

That touchdown was the product of a sustained drive rather than an isolated big play. Tampa Bay used Daniels’ mobility, short completions, and Williams’ running to move into scoring position.

Receiving Statistics

New York produced more receiving yardage than Tampa Bay.

The supplied data gives the Jets 219 receiving yards on 20 receptions, compared with 183 receiving yards on 22 receptions for Tampa Bay.

That difference reinforces the larger theme of the game: New York was capable of producing yardage, but Tampa Bay was more successful at turning critical moments into points.

Garrett Wilson

Wilson recorded:

2 receptions
32 yards
16.0 yards per reception
21-yard long
3 targets

His two catches were important early in the game. Official Jets reporting notes that he connected with Klubnik on significant third-down completions during the opening scoring sequence.

For a player returning to action after missing much of the previous season, the value of the appearance was not simply the number of catches. It also gave the Jets an opportunity to see him operating in live-game situations.

Cam Camper

Cam Camper led the supplied Jets receiving statistics by yardage:

2 receptions
37 yards
18.5 yards per reception
24-yard long
4 targets

That production came from only two catches, showing how a small number of successful downfield plays can significantly change a receiver’s average.

Quincy Skinner Jr. and Omar Cooper Jr.

Both players recorded:

2 receptions
31 yards
15.5 yards per reception

Skinner’s longest reception was 20 yards, while Cooper produced a 26-yard long according to the supplied figures.

Cooper’s 26-yard reception was also mentioned in game coverage as one of New York’s late-half passing gains.

Garrett Greene

For Tampa Bay, Greene was the leading receiver by yardage.

His supplied line:

4 receptions
54 yards
13.5 yards per reception
35-yard long
7 targets

Official Buccaneers reporting also identifies Greene as Tampa Bay’s leading receiver with four catches for 54 yards.

His 35-yard reception during Daniels’ second-half drive was particularly important because it moved the offense deep into Jets territory and helped set up Williams’ touchdown.

Defensive Statistics

Defense ultimately decided this game.

Tampa Bay recorded:

65 total tackles
39 solo tackles
4 sacks
8 tackles for loss
7 passes defended
3 quarterback hits
2 interceptions
1 defensive touchdown

New York recorded:

65 total tackles
37 solo tackles
1 sack
4 tackles for loss
5 passes defended
1 quarterback hit
0 interceptions
0 defensive touchdowns

The most significant difference was pressure and takeaways.

Ayden Garnes

Garnes produced the game’s biggest defensive play.

His supplied statistics include:

1 interception
47 interception-return yards
1 defensive touchdown
3 tackles

The 47-yard pick-six changed the game’s direction. Official Buccaneers reporting confirms that Garnes intercepted Zappe and returned the ball 47 yards for a touchdown.

This was more than a good individual statistic. It directly converted a defensive possession into seven points.

Rashad Wisdom

Wisdom added Tampa Bay’s second interception.

His supplied statistics:

1 interception
2 return yards
0 defensive touchdowns

The interception came shortly after Garnes’ pick-six and gave Tampa Bay another opportunity to attack after a Jets turnover.

The Buccaneers did not turn that possession into points, but the takeaway prevented New York from immediately rebuilding its momentum.

Jack Pyburn

Pyburn was another important defensive contributor.

The supplied defensive totals credit Tampa Bay with four sacks overall, and official reporting specifically highlights Pyburn with two sacks.

His pressure was particularly important late in the game because the Jets needed a touchdown to close the gap.

Turnovers Were the Defining Statistic

If one statistic explains the final score better than any other, it is turnover margin.

Tampa Bay committed zero turnovers.

New York committed two interceptions.

That produced a turnover margin of plus-two for the Buccaneers.

The Jets had 284 total yards, 193 passing yards, and 91 rushing yards. Tampa Bay had only 245 total yards.

Yet Tampa Bay won by eight points.

This is a useful reminder when analyzing player statistics: yardage is descriptive, but possession-changing plays can be decisive.

The two interceptions were particularly damaging because one produced seven points directly.

The second takeaway did not result in a touchdown, but it still removed another Jets possession from the game.

Passing Efficiency Versus Passing Volume

Another interesting part of the box score is the contrast between passing yardage and passing efficiency.

New York threw for 193 yards compared with Tampa Bay’s 176.

However, the Jets also threw two interceptions, while Tampa Bay threw none.

The supplied team passing figures are:

Tampa Bay

22 completions
35 attempts
176 yards
5.2 yards per attempt
0 touchdowns
0 interceptions
1 sack
76.3 rating

New York

20 completions
32 attempts
193 yards
6.8 yards per attempt
0 touchdowns
2 interceptions
4 sacks
56.6 rating

The difference illustrates why passing yards alone should never be treated as a complete measure of quarterback performance.

New York gained more yards per attempt, but Tampa Bay protected the football better and avoided the negative plays that turned possessions over.

Why the Sack Numbers Matter

The Buccaneers registered four sacks, while the Jets recorded one.

That is a substantial difference in a game decided by eight points.

Tampa Bay’s defensive pressure helped force the Jets into difficult down-and-distance situations and contributed to the offense losing rhythm.

New York’s single sack came from Will McDonald IV on Tampa Bay’s opening possession. Official Jets reporting confirms that McDonald brought down Bazelak during the first series.

The pressure numbers also need context because preseason rotations can produce unusual matchups. Backup offensive linemen may be playing alongside players who have limited experience together, while defensive players are competing intensely for roster positions.

Special Teams Statistics

Special teams also played a role in keeping the game close.

Tampa Bay Kicking

The supplied data records:

1-for-1 on field goals
23-yard long
3-for-3 on extra points
6 total kicking points

Chase McLaughlin made the 23-yard field goal and one extra point, while B.T. Potter converted two extra points.

New York Kicking

The Jets recorded:

3-for-3 on field goals
47-yard long
1-for-1 on extra points
10 total kicking points

Cade York made two field goals, while Jason Sanders converted a 47-yard attempt and an extra point.

This is significant because New York remained within one score partly through reliable kicking.

Return Game Comparison

The Jets had the better kick-return average.

Special Teams Category	Tampa Bay	New York
Kick Returns	3	3
Kick Return Yards	67	86
Average	22.3	28.7
Long	29	32
Punt Returns	1	4
Punt Return Yards	0	49
Punt Return Average	0.0	12.3

Again, New York had several statistical advantages in the game.

The Jets generated more total yards, more rushing yards, more passing yards, and better return averages.

The Buccaneers nevertheless won because they were more effective in the highest-leverage situations.

What the Player Stats Reveal About Both Teams

The statistics offer several useful observations.

Tampa Bay’s Defense Created the Swing

Tampa Bay’s offense was not dominant.

The Buccaneers averaged only 4.0 yards per play and gained 245 total yards.

But the defense produced four sacks, two interceptions, and a defensive touchdown.

That created a scoring advantage without requiring a high-volume passing performance.

New York Had Explosive Offensive Plays

The Jets produced several strong individual plays.

Allen’s 31-yard touchdown run was the biggest rushing play.

Wilson recorded a 21-yard reception.

Camper averaged 18.5 yards per reception.

Cooper had a 26-yard reception.

The Jets therefore demonstrated explosive-play potential despite losing.

Tampa Bay’s Young Quarterback Made the Most of His Opportunity

Daniels’ 111 passing yards were not overwhelming in volume, but his efficiency and mistake-free play mattered.

He completed 10 of 15 passes, avoided interceptions, added nine rushing yards, and scored a rushing touchdown.

He also directed the Buccaneers to the two second-half touchdown drives that ultimately produced the victory.

How to Read Preseason Player Stats Correctly

Preseason statistics require more context than regular-season numbers.

A player may receive only a handful of opportunities. Another player may face starters while someone else plays against reserves. Quarterback rotations can completely change the level of defensive competition.

For that reason, the best way to analyze a preseason box score is to combine several categories.

1. Look at Opportunity

Four carries for 44 yards is impressive, but it is still four carries.

Two receptions for 37 yards can indicate explosive ability, but it does not establish consistency.

2. Look at Efficiency

Daniels’ 10-for-15 passing line is more informative when paired with zero interceptions and a 7.4-yard average.

3. Look at Situational Impact

A 47-yard interception return for a touchdown has greater immediate scoring value than an ordinary tackle.

4. Look at Competition Level

The Jets used selected starters early while Tampa Bay rested its starters. Official reporting makes this difference clear.

5. Look for Repeatable Skills

Mobility, route separation, tackling, pass-rush technique, ball security, and decision-making can tell coaches more than raw totals.

Key Individual Performers

The most notable statistical performances can be summarized as follows:

Player	Team	Key Statistic
Jalon Daniels	Buccaneers	10/15, 111 yards, rushing TD
Ayden Garnes	Buccaneers	INT, 47-yard TD return
Josh Williams	Buccaneers	Rushing TD
Garrett Greene	Buccaneers	4 receptions, 54 yards
Jack Pyburn	Buccaneers	2 sacks
Cade Klubnik	Jets	5/7, 56 yards
Braelon Allen	Jets	4 carries, 44 yards, TD
Garrett Wilson	Jets	2 receptions, 32 yards
Cam Camper	Jets	2 receptions, 37 yards
Bailey Zappe	Jets	2 interceptions

These numbers should be interpreted in the context of playing time and preseason competition rather than treated as direct forecasts for regular-season production.

What Happened to the Jets After Their 10-0 Lead?

The Jets’ early advantage disappeared because Tampa Bay gradually changed the game’s risk profile.

New York’s first-quarter success came from efficient quarterback play, Allen’s explosive run, and successful defensive resistance.

Then the turnovers arrived.

Garnes’ interception return tied the game.

Wisdom’s interception removed another Jets possession.

Tampa Bay then received increasingly effective quarterback play from Daniels and established a more controlled second-half offense.

The Jets did continue to move the ball, but they could not produce enough points from those opportunities.

That is why the final 24-16 score can look surprising when viewed beside the 284-245 total-yard advantage.

Where to Find the Official Game Information

For readers who want to verify the final score, quarter-by-quarter scoring, and official game statistics, the NFL Game Center for Buccaneers at Jets provides the official game record.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the final score between the Buccaneers and Jets?

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the New York Jets 24-16 in the 2026 preseason opener at MetLife Stadium. Tampa Bay scored 24 points after trailing 10-0 early in the game.

Who was Tampa Bay’s leading passer?

Jalon Daniels completed 10 of 15 passes for 111 yards and added a rushing touchdown. His second-half performance helped Tampa Bay produce two touchdown drives.

Who led the Jets in rushing?

Braelon Allen led the supplied New York rushing statistics with 44 yards on four carries and scored on a 31-yard touchdown run.

Who had the biggest defensive play?

Tampa Bay cornerback Ayden Garnes intercepted Bailey Zappe and returned the ball 47 yards for a touchdown. The play tied the game at 10-10 and shifted momentum toward Tampa Bay.

How many turnovers did each team have?

Tampa Bay had zero turnovers, while New York committed two interceptions. The Buccaneers therefore finished with a plus-two turnover margin.

Did the Jets gain more total yards?

Yes. New York recorded 284 total yards compared with Tampa Bay’s 245. The Jets had 193 passing yards and 91 rushing yards, while Tampa Bay had 176 passing yards and 69 rushing yards.

Conclusion

The new york jets vs tampa bay buccaneers match player stats show why a preseason game should be analyzed through more than total yardage or the final score.

New York moved the ball effectively and produced several explosive individual plays. Braelon Allen’s 31-yard touchdown run gave the Jets an early 10-0 lead, while Garrett Wilson, Cam Camper, and other receivers generated productive plays through the air.

Tampa Bay answered with a different formula. Its defense created four sacks and two interceptions, with Ayden Garnes turning one takeaway into a 47-yard touchdown. Jalon Daniels then provided efficient second-half quarterback play, while Josh Williams and Daniels supplied the two offensive touchdowns that completed the comeback.

The final statistical picture is therefore more nuanced than the 24-16 result suggests. The Jets had the advantage in total yards, passing yards, rushing yards, yards per play, and return production. Tampa Bay had the advantage in turnovers, sacks, defensive scoring, and second-half points.

For preseason analysis, those details are the real value of the box score. They show which players produced explosive plays, which units created pressure, where possession changed hands, and how individual performances influenced the game’s direction.

Most importantly, the numbers provide context for evaluating young players without treating one preseason appearance as a complete prediction of what comes next.