Jalon Daniels stole the show for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the New York Jets Friday night.
Tampa Bay defeated New York 24-16 in its preseason opener. Several young players delivered strong performances on both sides of the football.
Of course, it is only the first preseason game. However, every snap can impact a player’s future and the Buccaneers’ final roster decisions.
Daniels made a strong case for himself against the Jets. He looked significantly more comfortable in the pocket and consistently delivered better-placed passes.
Jalon Daniels Outplayed Connor Bazelak
Connor Bazelak started the game and completed 12 of 20 passes for 72 yards. That comes out to fewer than four yards per attempt.
Bazelak’s longest completion covered 19 yards to Dennis Houston. While the numbers don’t tell the entire story, Tampa Bay’s offense struggled to generate much with Bazelak running it.
Daniels provided a noticeable difference after taking over. He completed 10 of 15 passes for 111 yards while adding three carries for nine yards and a touchdown.
Most importantly, the offense found the end zone with Daniels running the show.
His performance stood out enough to draw praise from head coach Todd Bowles.
“I thought he was very poised,” Bowles said. “He went in relaxed. We knew he could make off-schedule plays out of the pocket, but he played very confidently in the pocket. He made the right reads. He zipped some throws in there. I thought he played very well.”
Bowles also praised Daniels’ ability to remain patient and trust the offense.
“He took what they gave him,” Bowles said. “He didn’t try to get out of there too fast and he was calm under pressure, and he let the system work for him as opposed to just trying to make a play. He did some very good things tonight from a poise standpoint.”
Daniels also explained how his development has progressed since arriving in Tampa Bay.
“We’ve worked on a lot of different things to get me out of certain habits I had in college,” Daniels said. “I have a better understanding of it than when I first got here.”
Buccaneers Should Move Daniels to QB3
At this point, Tampa Bay should seriously consider moving Daniels up to QB3.
Yes, this was only one preseason game. Still, Daniels currently looked like the better option compared with Bazelak.
If Jake Browning cannot overcome his back injury and return to the field, Daniels’ situation becomes even more interesting.
Browning’s availability could determine whether Daniels has an opportunity to climb even higher. Based on Friday night’s performance, he deserves that opportunity.
Baker Mayfield remains the Buccaneers’ clear starting quarterback. However, Daniels is currently making the strongest case behind him if Browning remains unavailable.
Daniels Has Always Been a Competitor
Daniels spent six years at the University of Kansas. Throughout that time, he embodied what it meant to be a Jayhawk.
He was a class act both on and off the field. Daniels also continued giving everything he had, even when he wasn’t at full health.
Now, he’s getting his opportunity with the Buccaneers.
Friday night’s performance showed why Tampa Bay should give Daniels more chances to prove himself. One preseason game does not determine his future, but it certainly made his case more compelling.
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