Three Reasons to Watch Jets Battle Bucs Saturday Night

Rookie edge rusher, offensive tackle and young receivers all progressing this preseason

Whether they're willing to proudly proclaim it or not, National Football League fans naturally have an interest in preseason games.

The wins and losses don't count, but every team almost always has a handful of important issues to iron out in August before the "real" games begin. In particular, the New York Jets entered the summer with a lot to accomplish.

While working on the installation process that comes with welcoming a new quarterback and offensive coordinator, Gang Green needed the time to get healthy as a number of key players underwent offseason surgical procedures.

With the roster beginning to take shape, the Jets will contest their third exhibition game of the month on August 19 and there are three important reasons to watch the Saturday night battle against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at 7:30 pm ET on WCBS (local market).

Here are the three main attractions for Jets' fans watching from home or the seats at MetLife Stadium.

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Jets vs. Bucs (Preseason Game No. 3)

Saturday, August 19 • 7:30 pm ET

Watch: WCBS (locally in NY market)

Point Spread: Jets -3.5

Money Line: Jets -200; Bucs +150

Total (Over/Under): 37.5

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More Moves from Mac4

Rookie Will McDonald and his spin move have been as advertised. 

Although some considered it a "reach" when the Jets used the No. 15 overall selection to draft McDonald out of Iowa State, the quick, instinctive edge player has flashed brilliance dating back to OTAs.

The first-round pick has a patented pass rush move inspired by Maxx Crosby and he's used it effectively in both preseason games thus far. Although he didn't get the sack, McDonald beat the Cleveland Browns' left tackle for a pressure that forced a third-down incompletion in the Hall of Fame Game. The Big 12 Conference's all-time sacks leader recorded his first official QB takedown in the 27-0 road win over the Panthers.

"It's definitely going up to my expectations. Just improving, just learning every day. I'm just trying to get better," said McDonald of his camp experience prior to the Hall of Fame Game.

After learning more about the eccentric 24-year-old during the latest episode of HBO's "Hard Knocks," fans will have a chance to see him in action against the Bucs. Depending on veteran Carl Lawson's health status moving forward, McDonald may earn a more prominent role in the team's defensive line rotation.

Becton Alright on Right Side?

Hoping to land back in the starting lineup following a two-year absence, bookend Mekhi Becton continues to ramp up while testing out his surgically-repaired knee.

"I thought he had a big step against Carolina in that game and he is doing a really nice job of competing. Every day he is pushing himself to do a little bit more to prove that he can be out there for a full game," said head coach Robert Saleh.

After taking second-team reps at left tackle in the first two exhibition games, the 2020 first-round draft pick will presumably get the chance to play on the right side against Tampa Bay.

"We are hoping to get him some right tackle reps here, some live ones, starting tomorrow," said the third-year head coach on Wednesday.

Becton did, indeed, see action at right tackle during Thursday's practice. 

"We had a really nice conversation again yesterday, too. He wants to play," said Saleh at Thursday's press conference. "I look in a guy’s eyes and he is just, he’s going for it. I’m excited for this weekend and hoping for a really productive weekend. Same with him and then we’ll go from there."

Becton has not appeared in a regular season game since the 2021 season opener.

The Fight for WR6

In today's pass-happy NFL, it's usually safe to assume that teams will hold six spots on their 53-man rosters for receivers. 

When it comes to the Jets' pass-catching corps, the first five slots on the depth chart are seemingly spoken for with Garrett Wilson, Allen Lazard, Mecole Hardman, Corey Davis and Randall Cobb being all but roster locks.

The recipient of the WR6 role will likely be determined over the next 11 days, adding a great deal of importance to Saturday's preseason game. There are three candidates who appear to be leading the race.

Malik Taylor is the lone non-rookie of the three. After being signed to Gang Green's Practice Squad last December, the Division II product has turned heads during training camp. He caught a 57-yard bomb from Zach Wilson in the preseason opener and added a 10-yard reception against the Carolina Panthers. Taylor appears to be dealing with a minor injury this week as he was a non-participant in Thursday's practice.

Two undrafted first-year pros have been right on Taylor's heels the entire offseason. In fact, Aaron Rodgers shouted out the two lesser-known prospects on the final day of OTAs.

Southern Miss product Jason Brownlee has dazzled during practices on multiple occasions. He has made four catches for 27 yards in two preseason appearances thus far.

Stephen F. Austin's Xavier Gipson is one of the smaller players on the team's roster, but the 4,000-yard college receiver brings speed and return ability to the table. 

Gipson hasn't yet recorded a catch in a preseason game, but the two-time Western Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year made a few notable practice grabs during open sessions on Wednesday and Thursday in Florham Park. He has been the team's primary return specialist in both preseason games thus far, strengthening his case for a roster spot.

READ MORE: 

How to Watch Jets' Third Preseason Tilt

Rodgers's Five-Year Preseason Streak Continues when Jets Host Bucs

Zach Wilson Looks Sharp, Jets' Defense Dominates Panthers

Jets Without Both Starting Guards in Joint Practice vs. Bucs

Saleh and Rodgers Not 'Panicking' over Jets' Offensive Line