New York Jets rookie David Bailey got his first preseason sack in Week 2 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, and it came at a good moment for a defense looking to settle in.
The play arrived on Pittsburgh’s second offensive drive, when Bailey got to Will Howard for the first sack of his NFL preseason career. It was a third-and-8 snap, and Bailey stayed on his assignment before fighting through with discipline to finish the rush.
Howard helped make the sack easier by hesitating and drifting backward, but Bailey’s burst and efficiency still forced the issue.
The Jets had already given themselves a clean start on offense. Geno Smith opened the night with a strong drive that ended in a Jelani Woods touchdown, and the defense followed by forcing a three-and-out. Bailey’s sack came after Cade Klubnik’s first drive of the night failed to produce points.
Aaron Glenn continued to mix and match on the edge after that. Will McDonald and Kingsley Enagbare began the next defensive possession, and Bailey was later brought in as the Steelers moved toward the red zone.
Pittsburgh’s drive looked promising for a stretch, but it ended with Andre Cisco stepping in front of a crossing route for an interception.
Howard has had a rough night, while the Jets have been in control. Some starters, including Geno Smith and Garrett Wilson, were already pulled, and Glenn’s next move with the rest of the first unit remained unclear. New York led 7-0 with 6:47 left in the first half.
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