The New York Jets shook off a sluggish start and a pouring rain at MetLife Stadium to defeat the Cleveland Browns 17-12 on Sunday, October 11, 2026. Head coach Aaron Glenn’s defense harassed Cleveland quarterback Deshaun Watson all afternoon, sacking him eight times and holding the Browns to 198 total yards of offense.
David Bailey Delivers Three Sacks and Climbs Rookie Betting Odds
The turning point for the Jets’ pass rush arrived courtesy of the No. 2 overall draft pick. David Bailey wrecked the Cleveland game plan by collecting three sacks, seven total tackles, three tackles for loss, four quarterback hits, and nine pressures against the Browns. His nine pressures tied for the most by an NFL rookie in a single game since Jared Verse recorded them in Week 7 of the 2024 season, according to NextGenStats.
Bailey joined Hugh Douglas from the 1995 season as the only rookies in franchise history to notch three sacks in a single game. The stellar performance immediately shifted sportsbooks, placing Bailey as the betting favorite for Defensive Rookie of the Year.
“It felt good, man. It felt good to know that I’m able to do this, to compete at the highest level.”
David Bailey, New York Jets edge rusher, via Heavy
Head coach Aaron Glenn praised the rookie’s complete skill set after the final whistle, highlighting his versatility against the run in addition to his edge-rushing prowess. His ability to bend the edge, his ability to dip, lean, use power in that lean and be able to rip up and go make plays on the quarterback
proved instrumental in preserving the team’s narrow lead, Glenn noted.
Braelon Allen Carries the Ground Attack With 116 Yards
With starting running back Breece Hall sidelined by an injury, second-year back Braelon Allen stepped into the primary role and delivered a career-best performance. Allen punished the Cleveland defense for 116 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries, anchoring an offense that generated 276 total yards under coordinator Frank Reich during the rainy matchup.
Allen sealed the outcome late in the fourth quarter following a disastrous snap on a Cleveland punt. Rex Sunahara sent a long snap soaring over punter Corey Bojorquez’s head in the driving rain, and the Jets recovered the loose ball at the Browns’ 23-yard line according to instantaneous game reports. On third-and-9 from the 22, Allen took the handoff, shook off a defender, and dashed untouched into the end zone.
“Honestly, I was just really hype during the play. Once I got past the first level I knew it was over. When the play came in, I was really surprised because it was third and nine. I wasn’t expecting to run the ball when Frank called it, but I was glad he did.”
Braelon Allen, New York Jets running back, via The Jets Way
The combination of Allen and Wilson marked the first time the franchise boasted a 100-yard rusher and 100-yard receiver in the same game since October 14, 2024, against the Buffalo Bills.
Cleveland Offense Stalls as Special Teams Errors Prove Costly
For the Browns, the loss snapped a three-game winning streak and dropped their record to 3-2. Deshaun Watson finished 15-of-33 for 155 yards, throwing a 29-yard touchdown pass to Denzel Boston with 6:15 remaining that briefly gave Cleveland a 12-10 lead before the special teams collapse.
Head coach Todd Monken pointed directly to undisciplined mistakes, missed extra points, and poor field position after the game as the primary reasons for the defeat.
Will McDonald officially extinguished Cleveland’s final comeback bid with 44 seconds remaining, sacking Watson on fourth down, forcing a fumble, and recovering it himself to secure the 17-12 final score. The victory moved the Jets to 2-3 on the year, avoiding an early season hole and setting up a divisional matchup against the New England Patriots in Foxborough.
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