Jets rookie pass rusher David Bailey is starting to dominate

The New York Jets were embarrassed in Week 9 , losing 35-12 to the dominant Kansas City Chiefs . Somewhat lost in that shuffle is how dominant rookie pass rusher David Bailey was versus the Chiefs. Bailey made history, and the arrow continues pointing upwards for him. Bailey posted career-highs across various categories versus the Chiefs. The rookie No. 2 overall selection produced nine tackles, two sacks, two forced fumbles, and five total pressures. The Chiefs' offensive line had no response for his dominance. Bailey leads all rookie pass rushers in sacks (7.5) and QB pressures (31). The former Texas Tech standout also has five forced fumbles through his first eight NFL games. He's firmly in the Defensive Rookie of the Year conversation with New York Giants linebacker Arvell Reese. The Jets remain in the roster rebuilding phase. Questions still linger around GM Darren Mougey, and especially around head coach Aaron Glenn, whose seat is red-hot given the Jets' 2-7 start. What's most important is that the roster has building blocks to move forward with. Bailey is absolutely playing like a star building block. His 7.5 sacks are tied for the 5th-most through a player’s first eight career games since 1982, keeping company like Julius Peppers, Nick Bosa, and Bradley Chubb. Bailey is dominating for the Jets. Jets Wire will continue to provide updates throughout the 2026 NFL season.