Three Game Balls and a Gasser for Jets' Preseason Performance vs. Bucs

Players on roster bubble, including two rookie UDFAs, boost stock in third exhibition game

Yes, it's only the preseason, but there are plenty of players taking meaningful summertime snaps for the New York Jets.

As roster cutdown day draws closer, time is precious for those locked in position battles. 

Two undrafted rookies, one on each side of the ball, helped their cause during Saturday night's preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at MetLife Stadium. The receiver and defensive back did enough to Jets Country game balls for their efforts during Gang Green's third preseason contest.

In all, three Jets earned game balls and one will have the to run a gasser to compensate for his mistakes in the 13-6 setback on Saturday.

GAME BALLS:

Ashtyn Davis, Safety

The 2021 third-round pick was seemingly in danger of losing his roster spot, but he may have altered his trajectory with his latest performance. Davis was flying all over the field as the Jets opened the game by deploying three safeties.

The Cal product made 3.0 tackles-for-loss and a fourth hit dropped the receiver for no gain. Davis, who is also a seasoned special teamer, recorded seven combined tackles. 

"You can count on Ashtyn to bring it every single day. He has a great attitude. It’s important to him. He works at it," said Saleh after the game. "He has great speed and athleticism. His special teams ability is through the roof. I have genuine appreciation for Ashtyn."

Trey Dean, Safety

Going undrafted likely due to his disappointing 40-yard dash time, Dean has shown the instincts that made him a successful five-year contributor at the Southeastern Conference level.

He totaled a game-high nine stops, including two tackles-for-loss, against the Bucs.  The smart safety allowed only five yards in pass coverage and also made a special teams tackle in punt coverage.

Battling Davis for the fourth safety spot on the 53-man roster, Dean is making it tough on team brass. His nine tackles were the second most amongst all NFL defenders during Saturday's slate of games.

Jets' safety Trey Dean (38) at the Hall of Fame Game in Canton / © Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Xavier Gipson, Receiver/Return Specialist

Gipson's versatility was on full display against the Bucs, especially his ability to affect the game on special teams. The two-time Western Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year ran one kick back for 21 yards and returned a punt 31 yards across midfield. He also plays a role in kick and punt coverage.

The small, but speedy receiver made two catches for 18 yards and one first down and also threw a notable downfield block on offense.

Gipson is in a fight for the WR6 role (assuming the Jets keep six receivers) with fellow undrafted rookie Jason Brownlee and Malik Taylor. Brownlee led all Green & White pass-catchers with 50 yards on four receptions. Taylor, who was a non-participant in Thursday's practice, did not play on Saturday.

Jets' WR Xavier Gipson (82) looks for room to run against the Bucs / © Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

GASSER:

Zack Kuntz, Tight end

Kuntz brings multiple positive attributes — including athleticism and an ability to get down the field on kick coverage — to the table, but he costed the offense on back-to-back possessions in the second half. 

The seventh-round draft pick committed two 10-yard holding penalties while operating in opponent territory. Kuntz's second infraction came on a 2nd-and-1 play from the Bucs' 12 and it pushed the Jets out of the red zone where they had to settle for a field goal attempt.

Kuntz caught all three of his targets, but totaled only 18 yards receiving. He'll have another opportunity to try and convince Gang Green to carry four tight ends om the 53-man roster in the upcoming preseason finale against the New York Giants on August 26.

READ MORE:

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