Oct 11, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets defensive end David Bailey (31) sacks Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
David Bailey has finally arrived, and the New York Jets have to love what they saw in Sunday’s 17-12 victory over the Cleveland Browns.
The No. 2 overall pick posted three sacks, made seven tackles, and pressured Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson nine times — the most by a rookie in a single game since Jared Verse in 2024.
The Texas Tech product had two sacks in his first two NFL games, but had been largely neutralized since, and concerns were starting to grow. It certainly did not help that Giants rookie linebacker Arvell Reese, who was taken three picks after Bailey, began flying around the same field at MetLife Stadium.
“Just relentless,” Jets head coach Aaron Glenn said of the rookie pass rusher on Monday”. “The same thing you really saw from him coming out of college. His ability to bend the edge, his ability to dip, lean, use power in that lean to be able to rip up and go make plays on the quarterback. His ability to make a move and then rush with power also.”
His arsenal was on full display in the fourth quarter when, on a 3rd-&-30, he left Cleveland offensive lineman Spencer Fano in the dust on his way to taking down Watson. On the next drive, he stuffed Browns running back Quinshon Judkins for no gain on a 2nd-&-3.
In the final minute, he pressured Watson to help set up the game-deciding 4th-&-6, which ultimately allowed the Jets to snap their three-game losing streak.
The other thing that really showed up in the game was his ability to play the run,” Glenn said. “I think that’s one thing that he’s not getting enough credit for. He did a hell of a job when it came to run defense, too.”
This is the exact sort of version that the Jets had been expecting of Bailey, but Sunday’s big day helped ease some of the pressure he had been putting on himself.
“It felt good, man,” Bailey said. “It felt good to know that I’m able to do this, to compete at the highest level.”
For more on David Bailey and the Jets, visit AMNY.com
