Rueben Bain: New York Jets Were “Really Trying To Take My Head Off”
September 3rd, 2026
A few weeks ago, Joe referenced something that was very apparent when the Buccaneers’ had two ferocious and long practices against the Jets in New Jersey.
Jets offensive linemen clearly flashed a little extra juice when they had to face Rueben Bain, the Bucs’ rookie edge rusher and first-round draft pick. It was as if Bain was getting everyone’s best effort, which Joe thought would help Bain develop faster.
Interestingly, when Bain joined the Green Light podcast recently, he was asked whether his first joint practice in New Jersey felt different, like a memorable and real NFL moment.
“Yeah, it did then,” Bain said. “When it really like clicked for me, it was a couple times. I’d say like one of the first ones was going against the Jets and they was really trying to take my head off. So like, ‘Okay, that’s real life right now.'”
Joe appreciated in New Jersey how Bain took a bit of a cheap shot from a Jets player in pass-rush/pass-blocking work and he didn’t react. The Jets player, who was not facing Bain 1-on-1, seemed to be waiting for a fight response and Bain didn’t even look at him. And yes, Bain won his rep.
Given how lame NFL preseason is for starters like Bain, Joe was glad the Bucs got that intense two days of work against the Jets, even if they are a sad NFL team. Practicing only against your own team (in 2026) will rarely deliver the intensity rookies need to be ready for Week 1.
September 3rd, 2026 at 12:41 pm
Revealing
What is lacking or was lacking in whatever he was experiencing in all his snaps at
One Buc Place
September 3rd, 2026 at 12:47 pm
Should be an interesting season for the young man. Trying not to get too excited about it, but honestly I like everything I’ve seen and heard from him. Unlike some others, my expectations are not outsized. But if he’s everything, we think he is, the entire line and front seven improves dramatically which will assist our charmin soft (at the moment) secondary. Speaking of, would also be nice to have a revival of the Winfield from a few years ago. That itself would help things out in the back.
September 3rd, 2026 at 12:55 pm
Ruben Bain present will benefit Yaya a lot
I’m excited for game one against Cincinnati
September 3rd, 2026 at 1:10 pm
They were , They were ……. It’s the simple things that are infecting our country !!
Rueben glad your a Buc !! Kids are reading !!
QB s will learn to fear You , no doubt about it !!
September 3rd, 2026 at 1:10 pm
The Jets tried to take Bain’s head off. Unfortunately, they forgot to block the rest of him. Bain didn’t retaliate because apparently humiliating the guy on the actual football play was sufficient.
September 3rd, 2026 at 1:11 pm
Get used to it kid! Its a long season…
September 3rd, 2026 at 1:14 pm
“What is lacking or was lacking in whatever he was experiencing in all his snaps at”
Watch the interview, they led up to this talking about how different it was going against another team instead of hitting your own guys. I would hope none of our OLmen are trying to cheapshot anybody on our own practice field, because than that guilty party needs their walking papers.
September 3rd, 2026 at 1:27 pm
dude has a good shot to save our defense
September 3rd, 2026 at 1:46 pm
That sad NFL team almost came back and beat us at home. Sad NFL team? People in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones, or shade. Still NFL players on that roster Joe.
September 3rd, 2026 at 2:01 pm
Many teams look good on paper. but the proof starts with that first intense hit at the line of scrimmage. The Bucs defense has looked better.so far. Staying healthy will be critical.
The Bucs have started their last few seasons well. but injuries and poor play has been their demise.
Will the 2026 draft class and recent veteran acquisitions make an impact? Todd Bowles and Jason Licht seem excited. 🤔 We are about to find out.
September 3rd, 2026 at 2:02 pm
Beau Allen is a good interviewer.
September 3rd, 2026 at 2:16 pm
Wonder how/if dreaded ‘rookie wall’ affects Bain (K Scott as well). Would be delighted if next year Reuben Bain answers “What wall?” when someone asks him about it next year.
September 3rd, 2026 at 2:42 pm
Can someone please translate what Eckwood was trying to say.
September 3rd, 2026 at 3:31 pm
Maybe Eckwood is trying to channel Fearless Leader………….
And doing a great job at it I might add………..
September 3rd, 2026 at 3:45 pm
Can’t wait to get this party started. Bain, Yaya and the gang = meet me at the QB in 3 seconds!