Jets rookie David Bailey snags first sack of preseason
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PITTSBURGH — David Bailey gave everyone a glimpse Friday night of what the Jets have seen all summer.
On the second Steelers series of the night, the Jets rookie pass rusher blew past Steelers tackle Broderick Jones and sacked quarterback Will Howard for a loss of 11 yards on third down.
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“It felt amazing,” Bailey told The Post after the Jets’ 17-0 preseason win over the Steelers. “It was a sense of relief. It felt good knowing my interior line did their job and the coverage did their job and just allowed me to capitalize.”
It was the impact play that Jets have been dying to see from Bailey, who had a quiet night against the Buccaneers in the team’s first preseason game.
The Jets drafted Bailey with the No. 2 overall pick in April and the Texas Tech star has lived up to his draft status in training camp. Bailey has been terrorizing the Jets offensive line and had success against Tampa Bay in joint practices. There are high expectations for Bailey this season and he showed why again Friday night.
“It was good to see that,” Jets head coach Aaron Glenn said. “Obviously, we know what he can do as far as a pass rusher. I already see in my head that there’s a couple of things that he has to improve on that showed up in the game and he will.”
In all, Bailey played 12 snaps and had two quarterback pressures and the one sack. It continues a strong summer for Bailey.
“I feel like camp has been pretty good,” Bailey said. “I’ve been trying to soak in everything while just trying to get better. It’s been a great experience.”
The Jets interception drought is not officially over but they at least showed promise of it ending sometime soon.
They came up with two interceptions of Steelers QB Will Howard on Friday night. Safety Andre Cisco secured the first pick, ending a Steelers drive at the Jets’ 14-yard line. CB Sam Womack picked off Howard just before halftime to give the Jets another one.
The Jets set an NFL record in 2025 with zero interceptions, an incredible mark. Jets defenders repeatedly have said that they are focused on ending that streak.
“We were celebrating for our guys,” cornerback Brandon Stephens said. “It was good to see. We went a whole year without seeing it. Just to get that feeling back of getting an interception, two of them, it was big time.”
Cade York attempted a 59-yard field goal at the end of the first half and missed wide right.
Jason Sanders made a 39-yard field goal in the fourth quarter to give the Jets a 10-0 lead.
NT T’Vondre Sweat and Edge Joseph Ossai did not play in the game after starting practice this week. The Jets are being cautious and bringing them along slowly. … TE Chase Curtis left the game with a knee injury. … DE Nate Lynn, who signed with the Jets this week, had two sacks. … LB Kiko Mauigoa did not play because of a sore hamstring.