Smattering of Starters Take Field for Jets in Preseason Home Opener

Superstars Aaron Rodgers, Garrett Wilson, Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner all inactive

Two veteran receivers were amongst those New York Jets seeing preseason action in Saturday night's tilt against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Speedy slot receiver Mecole Hardman and 6-foot-5 pass-catcher Allen Lazard both lined up with the first team offense at MetLife Stadium. 

With quarterback Aaron Rodgers amongst those not dressed for the game, Zach Wilson led the unit onto the field. Offseason addition Randall Cobb and reigning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Garrett Wilson were not in uniform, either. Joining Hardman and Lazard, undrafted rookie Jason Brownlee was the third receiver taking first-team reps.

The Jets opened the game's scoring with a 31-yard field goal by Greg Zuerlein on the first snap of the second quarter. It was the second possession of the night for Wilson and the Gang Green offense. Hardman, Lazard and Brownlee all made catches on the 10-play, 35-yard drive.

When it comes to the offensive line, the Green & White started the game with left tackle Max Mitchell, left guard Joe Tippmann, center Connor McGovern, right guard Wes Schweitzer and right tackle Billy Turner. Alijah-Vera Tucker, who did not practice this past week, was not dressed. Mekhi Becton entered the game at right tackle in the second quarter.

On the defensive side, the Jets opened with three safeties in their alignment, but Tony Adams was not one of them. Seemingly with a tight grip on the starting free safety job, the second-year pro had the night off along with veteran linebackers CJ Mosley and Quincy Williams. 

Cornerbacks Sauce Gardner and DJ Reed along with strong safety Jordan Whitehead were also watching from the sidelines.

With All-Pro defensive tackle Quinnen Williams inactive, Quinton Jefferson and Al Woods started on the interior of the defensive line with Micheal Clemons and Jermaine Johnson on the edge.

Rotating in at defensive end, Bryce Huff made his presence felt early as he recorded a first-quarter sack.

The Jets' defense forced the Bucs to punt on their first three offensive possessions, including two three-and-outs. 

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