Two Takeaways From The Jets Third Preseason Game Vs. Bucs
The Jets wrapped up their third preseason game of the season vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Saturday night. After shutting out Carolina last week, New York took the loss from Tampa this week by a score of 13-6.
Along with the first couple of games, Gang Green did not play the majority of their starters in this one. Here are a couple of takeaways from the game before New York heads into the final week of the preseason.
Moving Up The Depth Chart
Mekhi Becton has been working his way back from a pair of season-ending knee injuries that have kept him sidelined for the last two years. The Jets’ 2020 first-round pick has been entering games at left tackle with the second team so far this preseason. Unfortunately for Mekhi, the team seems to be set on Duane Brown as their starting LT once he's removed from the PUP list.
In Saturday’s game vs. Bucs, Becton might have done enough to help light a path to the starting five. As per usual, Mekhi entered the game with the second team but this time it was at right tackle.
The Jets have been starting Max Mitchell and Billy Turner each at the left and right tackle positions so far this preseason, but their struggles have been a cause for concern. My thoughts immediately following the game were; Becton had an impressive night which should earn him the right to some first-team reps at his new position going forward.
SNY's Connor Hughes then reported Tuesday morning that Becton will get the start at RT in New York's final preseason game vs. the Giants.
Jets Running Back Battle
It was a bad night for Bam Knight and the rookie speedster Izzy Abanikanka who both are now fighting for a roster spot since Dalvin Cook was added to the running back room.
Third-year RB Michael Carter did not dress Saturday night, seemingly assuring his spot as the third-string back in this Jets offense.
Knight got the start and totaled 52 yards on 11 touches. Unfortunately, a fumble and a dropped pass are on the stat sheet for him as well. Outside of the blunders, Zonovan ran as hard as usual but it might not be enough for him to land a spot on the 53-man roster.
Abanikanda, who has been great so far this preseason, rushed for 30 yards on four carries before having to exit the game with an injury. In the moment it looked like a knee injury but I’m sure Jets fans had a slight sigh of relief when it was announced to be his thigh instead.
New York may be favoring Izzy over Bam at the moment since they just drafted the Pittsburgh ball carrier back in April. If Abanikanda can’t go in the Jets’ preseason finale vs. Giants, Knight will have the stage set to make his case for the final RB spot on this roster.
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