Jets fans can't help but win David Bailey his first weekly rookie honors

Every New York Jets fan was elated to see David Bailey's breakout performance in Week 5 against the Cleveland Browns. The No. 2 overall pick in this past April's draft had been under fire in recent weeks after some lackluster outings. That was not the case this past Sunday.

Bailey recorded three sacks in the 17-12 win over Cleveland, and did it in record-breaking fashion. His nine pressures were the most by a rookie pass rusher in a single game since 2024's Defensive Rookie of the Year-- Jared Verse. It was also the first three-sack game by a first-year since Jaelan Phillips in 2021.

Unsurprisingly, Bailey was awarded Pepsi Rookie of the Week honors for his outing, an accolade voted on by fans via social media. Jets fans are notorious for earning their beloved rookies the award, as Kenyon Sadiq won it in Week 3 for his 100-yard outing against the Detroit Lions. Dating back to the 2021 season, the Green & White's rookies have won the belt 18 times.

But Bailey's Rookie of the Week honors aren't just because Jets fans stuffed the virtual ballot box. The former Texas Tech star earned another accolade this past week, one that isn't voted on by fans.

New York Jets rookie David Bailey racking up hardware after breakout game

Bailey was also named AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his Week 5 domination, an award not limited to rookies and given out by the league itself. Considering there were no other three-sack outings across the conference this past week, it makes sense.

It was the first time a Jets player had won the award since Jordan Whitehead's three-interception game against Josh Allen in Week 1 of the 2023 season, and the first rookie to win it since Sauce Gardner in 2022.

Other Jets rookies who have won the award in franchise history include Dee Milliner in 2013 and Russell Carter in 1984.

Hopefully, this is just the start for Bailey in terms of racking up accolades in his promising rookie season. A few more Rookie of the Week awards wouldn't hurt, but the eyes should ultimately be on Defensive Rookie of the Year honors.

Right now, Bailey is on track for an 85-tackle, 20 tackles for loss, 17-sack season. Not only would that be good enough for Defensive Rookie of the Year, but it may even end up earning him an All-Pro selection.

We'll see if he can keep up this impressive pace.

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