Phillips slides into the Jets' interior as a reliable run-stopper, absorbing double teams to free Jamien Sherwood and Quincy Williams to attack downhill. Week 1 against Pittsburgh tests that middle, where his anchor should slow the Steelers' ground game and set the tone for the Jets' front.

Phillips' selfless approach lets the linebackers play freely, improving interior discipline and creating more tackle opportunities for the Jets' LB duo and Quinnen Williams.

Fantasy-wise, the upgrade raises run-stops and could lift LB floors in IDP formats, with Sherwood and Williams benefiting most if Pittsburgh leans on the ground early.

The Jets staged a secret, player‑led walk‑through where no coaches were on the field and Justin Fields ran the offense while Jamien Sherwood directed the defense. The setup, described as walk‑through but treated like a real practice by participants, underscored a new emphasis on ownership and in‑game adaptability. Veterans noted they’d never taken the field in such a player‑driven format, signaling an organizational push toward accountability and quick decision‑making in situational drills.

Observers highlighted the vibe as a proving ground for leadership, with Andre Cisco praising the concept and Garrett Wilson hinting at a focused, hour‑long, scenario‑driven session. The Jets lost 31‑12 to the Giants the night before, and the move appears aimed at sharpening execution, play‑calling instincts, and cohesion. While it’s unclear how this translates to Week 1, the emphasis on player leadership could elevate tempo, chemistry, and fantasy upside for Jets playmakers, especially Wilson, Fields, and a defense that’s learning to co‑pilot the game plan.

As the 2025 NFL season approaches, every team's non-QB MVP has emerged as a topic of interest. Recognizing the importance of players outside the quarterback position, analysts have identified key contributors who can significantly impact their teams' success. For the Jets, linebacker Jamien Sherwood is poised to step into the spotlight following his impressive performance after CJ Mosley's injury last season. Sherwood's ability to seamlessly fill the void left by Mosley illustrates his readiness to lead the Jets' defense in 2025.

Other notable mentions include Bijan Robinson for the Atlanta Falcons, who serves as a dual-threat running back, and Derrick Henry for the Ravens, whose power running game has transformed Baltimore’s offense. The list extends with players like Ja'Marr Chase for the Bengals, who continues to redefine expectations with his production. The evaluation of non-QB MVPs showcases the depth of talent across the league and emphasizes that while quarterbacks often dominate the MVP discussions, many other players are equally critical to their teams' prospects.

The New York Jets' linebacker group, particularly Jamien Sherwood, has emerged as a standout unit for the team throughout the 2024 season, even amidst struggles in other areas. Sherwood's breakout performance saw him record an impressive 158 tackles, establishing him as a key player and a focal point of the Jets' defense. His performance has garnered significant praise from analysts and fans alike, marking a significant step in his development.

In addition to Sherwood, the depth and talent of the Jets' linebacker core have been pivotal to their defensive strategies, showcasing a promising future for the franchise. With their performance, these players have not only improved the team's defensive metrics but have also laid a foundation for future success.