David Bailey provided the immediate impact Jets wanted to see in NFL debut

New York Jets pass rusher and No. 2 overall pick David Bailey needed to show he can be a key playmaker for this team right out of the gate, and he managed to do just that in his first NFL game against the Tennessee Titans.

According to Next Gen Stats, Bailey was credited with six pressures in addition to his first career sack in the team's 23-10 victory over Robert Saleh and his new squad in Nashville. Bailey, who pushed Cam Ward out of bounds to tally his sack, was also held by Titans tackle JC Latham, preventing what could have been yet another quarterback takedown.

The Texas Tech product was often compared to New York Giants linebacker Arvell Reese in the pre-draft process, with his supporters claiming that Bailey provides more of an immediate impact for a Jets defense that really needs long-term playmakers. Even though it is just one game.

David Bailey shows immediate impact in New York Jets' Week 1 win

Bailey had the advantage of going up against Brian Daboll and a Titans offense that looked out of sorts, with Ward struggling as mightily as he did. Neither Latham nor Dan Moore looked like they had any ability to slow the onslaught against Ward, and the Jets took full advantage.

Aaron Glenn has many of the same players who struggled under Steve Wilks, looking like they can do some real damage, which is encouraging.

Even though the Jets' defense lost veteran defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick and nickel cornerback Jarvis Brownlee Jr. to injuries early in the game, Glenn locked Ward and the Titans down in his first game calling plays as the head coach. Tennessee mustered just 10 points (seven of which came in garbage time while down 23-3), didn't even cross 200 total yards, and averaged a nasty 3.6 yards per pass.

The New York Jets' defensive line dominated the Tennessee Titans' offensive line

Not only did Bailey record multiple pressures, but Kingsley Enagbare continued his dominant start to life in Jets green with a handful of pressures and a sack. In a more limited pass rush role, Will McDonald beat Moore and sacked Cam Ward at the one-yard line. Even Braiden McGregor made a few run stops and graded as one of the best Jets on the day in the eyes of Pro Football Focus.

The Jets won't always face a team with a second-year quarterback, offensive line troubles, and a new head coach. Week 2 against the Green Bay Packers could be a very important yardstick for this team. Can they put forth a similar performance against a quality opponent, or did they benefit from a very bad Titans team?

Either way, the arrow is pointing up for Bailey, who appeared to be capable of providing some pressure off the edge right from the get-go. A similarly strong performance against Green Bay could be enough to cement him as a Defensive Rookie of the Year frontrunner and validate the Jets' decision to pick him so high.

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