David Bailey Jets rookie edge rusher delivered a dominant statement game Sunday, piling up three sacks and nine pressures as New York beat Cleveland 17-12 in heavy rain.
Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn handed out game balls in a raucous locker room, praising Bailey’s stat line and, with a grin, calling the No. 2 overall pick a “flame thrower.” On Monday, Glenn summed up Bailey’s performance in one word: relentless.
Bailey led a rejuvenated pass rush that battered Deshaun Watson for eight sacks. Glenn dialed up pressure throughout the afternoon, and the defense has now held three of its first five opponents under 200 total yards. New York did not accomplish that once last season.
“It felt good,” Bailey said, crediting the defensive line and the entire unit for playing in sync. The Jets drafted him in April as the highest-selected defensive player in team history, and Sunday’s impact was exactly what they envisioned.
Glenn highlighted the former Texas Tech star’s flexibility and power at the edge, noting his ability to bend, dip, and convert speed to power. He also applauded Bailey’s work against the run, a facet some had questioned before the draft.
Quarterback Geno Smith said Bailey’s playmaking has been evident since training camp. “He’s a young player, but he’s got a veteran approach,” Smith said, pointing to the rookie’s consistency and attention to detail.
Just a week ago, Bailey fielded questions about a slow start after posting two sacks in his first four games. He insisted he was focused on his responsibilities, not chatter.
He responded with a breakout. According to Stats Perform, he became the seventh player in the past 25 years to record a three-sack game within his first five NFL contests, and the first since Aidan Hutchinson in 2022. He also joined Hugh Douglas as the only Jets rookies to notch three sacks in a game.
Teammates echoed the sentiment. Cornerback Azareye’h Thomas said Bailey possesses everything teams want in an edge rusher, while defensive tackle Jowon Briggs added that Bailey is “here for a reason” and will keep making impact plays.
David Bailey Jets defense powers gritty victory
New York managed 276 total yards in the rain but improved on third down, converting 8 of 17 one week after going 0 for 7. Wideout Tim Patrick said the offense has “insane” talent when healthy, noting key injuries to running back Breece Hall and receivers Adonai Mitchell and Omar Cooper Jr. He even compared the group favorably to his high-scoring 2024 Lions team, citing the versatility of the Jets’ five-tight end rotation.
Glenn wants more juice in the return game. Kene Nwangwu averaged 22.7 yards on three kickoff returns in his second game back, and Isaiah Williams posted a 36-yard kickoff return while adding four punt returns for 67 yards, a 16.8-yard average.
RB Braelon Allen delivered a career-best 116 rushing yards and the winning 22-yard touchdown on 24 carries while filling in again for Hall. Glenn called it a job well done, saying no one inside the building was surprised.
On the offensive line, RG Joe Tippmann struggled, contributing to three sacks of Smith and drawing two penalties. Rookie TE Kenyon Sadiq entered the concussion protocol.
Glenn had no further updates on injuries to Hall (quadriceps), Mitchell (finger) and LG Dylan Parham (knee). Cooper (ankle) is eligible to return from injured reserve this week.
New York’s penalty issues persisted with 10 more enforced flags, bringing the season total to 47, tied with the Chargers for second most in the league behind the Browns’ 49.
Next up, the Jets visit New England for their first AFC East matchup of the season. The Patriots are 3-2, riding a two-game win streak, and have taken the last three meetings between the teams, including a 2024 loss that saw Jalon Daniels lift Bucs past Cowboys in another tight finish.
