The New York Jets entered the summer knowing their interior defensive line needed serious help. Depth was thin, NFL-caliber talent was limited behind Quinnen Williams, and the front office understood they couldn’t roll into Week 1 relying on the likes of Jay Tufele and Derrick Nnadi.
That’s why the Jets swung trades for both Harrison Phillips and Jowon Briggs just weeks before the season opener. Briggs has earned plenty of recent attention, and deservedly so, for his rapid ascent into an outstanding young defensive lineman.
However, Phillips has quietly been every bit as important, especially when it comes to solidifying the team’s run defense.