Another Rueben Bain Moment
August 15th, 2026
So up in New Jersey on Wednesday, Joe spent time alongside former Pro Bowl running back Maurice Jones-Drew during Bucs-Jets practice.
Jones-Drew was there for NFL Network and, following an 11-on-11 session and an extensive period of the Bucs’ defensive front going through pass rush drills against the Jets offensive line, Jones-Drew hopped on the air and talked about how Bucs edge rusher Rueben Bain was simply “unblockable” in practice.
Joe agreed and would add “unflappable” to the list of Bain superlatives.
All those fights you heard about between the Bucs and Jets through two days of practice? Bain was not an instigator or a major participant.
The man is focused, and Joe thought one moment really highlighted that.
After dominating rushes on the left side of the Bucs’ defensive line, the Bucs moved Bain to the right edge in drills and had him line up there with David Walker inside him. It was just them rushing in tandem against the Jets’ left tackle and the Jets’ left guard and center. However, the center only was there for show — to give the inside guard/inside rusher a more realistic feel.
The ball was snapped and Bain executed the pass rush game and flashed his speed; inside he came for a winning rush. As Bain beat the guard, the Jets’ center gave Bain a shove. Not cool.
Did Bain react? Not at all. Back to his teammates he went.
Joe asked Todd Bowles later on Wednesday whether the head coach has been realizing how much more he can do with Bain over the past two weeks. Absolutely not, Bowles replied.
Bowles said he’s always viewed Bain as a do-in-all player, and the challenge if figuring out the best fits to play alongside Bain. After talking to Bowles, Joe would say Al-Quadin Muhammad is a leading candidate to rush inside next to Bain.
August 15th, 2026 at 7:10 pm
Bain’s face reminds Deacon Jones some. I am not saying he will have a HOF career like the guy who coined the word Sac, tackling the QB behind the line of Scrimmage. Good to hear and see these things about Bain. A defensive position that is by far not easy to nail in the draft no matter what that player did in college.
August 15th, 2026 at 7:14 pm
There is something different about Bain. Maybe it’s his intense focus or dead serious approach. Not sure but the dude seems dead set on the task at hand – seek and destroy.
August 15th, 2026 at 7:22 pm
Finally “thé fun is dead!”
I want a defense of Killahs!
Not paycheck divas.
Go Bucs!
August 15th, 2026 at 7:26 pm
Teacherman,
I hope you’re right.
August 15th, 2026 at 7:30 pm
Good start. But god dang, it’s three weeks and one preseason game against a not good opponent.
August 15th, 2026 at 7:34 pm
We are gonna resemble the Ravens this year.
Bullies! I don’t wanna see them shaking hands and smiling after we lose either.
I wanna see them walk off the field dejected.
August 15th, 2026 at 7:55 pm
Teachernan, in what world is hitting hard and sacking QBs not fun?!?
August 15th, 2026 at 8:04 pm
😤😤😤
Hopefully our pass rush leads to more ✊
August 15th, 2026 at 8:05 pm
Hopefully we can see him next week…in game
August 15th, 2026 at 8:12 pm
The main thing that matters is that he gets his man, QB or RB. Call are acting like you just found out, Bain can play anywhere on the line, hell he could play LB with his Sapp like speed and, the mindset of a winner, against the odds!!!! I love him and, he ain’t gotta get double digits this year, 8 will be awesome. Don’t be hated only feared, F Michael Parsons, You calmly bustin that booty and not worrying about the stardom. You’re better than that kiddo, I believe!!!!!!!!
August 15th, 2026 at 8:15 pm
The question will he drop into coverage?. I wonder if he can play cb at all. We need one.
August 15th, 2026 at 8:24 pm
Bowles knows he’s got the personnel to put several viable personnel combos on the field, but it’s not always by choice. We got some guys, as a collective our presence in the box got stronger, my question is how long will it take them to set a standard level of play and maintain it throughout the season.
Feel the same about Bain as I do Walker, they’re effectivity may vary by matchup, but either is going to find that one OT and give him a days work
August 15th, 2026 at 8:25 pm
Why didn’t he play?? Even for a series or two. He’s a totally raw rookie.
Also:
1. Blasck: What is he doing on any NFL squad. Most inaccurate passer I have ever seen.
2. Daniels made the squad last night
3 Too many opposing receivers were wide open AGAIN.
August 15th, 2026 at 8:44 pm
Yes Football 1, Bowles will use Bain on 3rd down in coverage. Since the Bucs won’t have any CBs for the first month of the season due to injuries suffered in training camp, what else is a coach to do.
August 15th, 2026 at 8:47 pm
I think it’s funny that the Bucs make rookies instant starters w/o getting much preseason experience. Thats how thin the defense is and how bad the experienced second string players are.
August 15th, 2026 at 8:51 pm
Man our D-line and OLBs are really shaping up.
Bain, Yaya, Walker, AQM, Nelson could be a very nice rotation and make a lot more impact this year than what we had to work with last. Improved physical talent and improved attitude – gotta love it (unless you’re a miserable troll) 🏈
Elijah Roberts looks like he’s been putting the work in and is ready to make some noise inside.
Saw a few spin moves employed by our rushers…. Hell yeah, spin moves should be a part of every pass rushers arsenal! 😎
And yes @football 1 he will drop into zone @ some point like every other OLB in the league – try to keep up, that’s been the case for years
August 15th, 2026 at 8:52 pm
Rueben Bain is fantastic but I’m sure when the time comes for an extension he will expect to be paid what he’s worth like everyone else. Maybe some will then refer to him as a paycheck diva too.
August 15th, 2026 at 8:53 pm
What rookies on Defense are considered “instant starters” that didn’t play last night (other than Bain)? I saw, Scott, Trotter, Capehart and Walker(2nd year no experience) all playing. So, what the h3ll are you actually talking about
August 15th, 2026 at 8:59 pm
Daniels looked sharp last night and is clearly better than Bazelak but keep in mind Bazelak played against the Jets first team and Daniel’s played against the second team and third teams.
August 15th, 2026 at 9:23 pm
Thank we got us a straight dog boys
August 15th, 2026 at 9:33 pm
In the two practices I went to, Bain was mostly on the defensive left side with Kancey inside of him. If only Kancey could stay healthy!
August 15th, 2026 at 10:12 pm
Teacherman
This team STILL doesn’t know how to tackle (or care to).
Long way to go before we’re the Ravens.
August 15th, 2026 at 11:11 pm
Joe Burrow played.
Josh Allen played.
But week 6 MVP Baker Mayfield won’t see a snap this preseason because he’s too precious to put on the field.
BTW, no his fault – it’s Bowles fault.
And for Bowles saying the starters will play next week, just wait. Come Friday or Saturday, he’ll talk about how amazing practice went this week and then bench everyone – just like he did last year. But make sure you buy your tickets now to see the starters play!
August 15th, 2026 at 11:18 pm
With Burrow playing in the preseason, the Bucs had better get Baker some snaps to make sure he’s ready to go. Last year, vs Atlanta, he stunk in the first half as he was shaking off the rust. Again, not his fault, it’s 100% on Bowles – but point being, if Burrow gets out the rust in the preseason, well the Bucs aren’t facing the Falcons QB of the week this year and they’re not going to be able to give Baker half a game to get warmed up.
August 15th, 2026 at 11:36 pm
Bowles views Bain as a do it all player???
Meaning dropping into coverage?
I hate you Bowles.