Jets may have the NFL's most overlooked linebacker duo
· Yahoo Sports
When people discuss the NFL's best linebacker duos, the conversation usually begins with teams that have spent years contending for championships. That said, the New York Jets rarely enter those discussions.
Visit freshyourfeel.org for more information.
Maybe they should. While much of the attention surrounding the Jets this offseason has focused on Geno Smith, Garrett Wilson and a revamped offense, the defense quietly enters training camp with one of its biggest strengths positioned squarely in the middle.
Demario Davis and Jamien Sherwood may not receive the same national recognition as some of the league's more celebrated tandems, but together they give New York something every defense covets. The word is 'reliability.' They have yet to play a snap together, but the pairing works because each linebacker brings something different.
Experience meets ascending talent in the second level of the Jets' defense
Davis returns to the organization for his third stint after another outstanding season that saw him record 143 tackles. That extends his streak of 100-tackle campaigns to nine straight years. Even at 37 years old, he continues playing with the instincts, physicality, and leadership that have defined one of the NFL's most consistent careers.
Sherwood represents the other side of the equation. The former Auburn Tigers standout has steadily developed into one of the league's more productive young linebackers, having compiled 308 tackles over the past two seasons. He has grown into one of the Jets' defensive cornerstones. His range, athleticism, and ability to stay on the field in multiple situations complement Davis' experience perfectly.
The Jets are steadily building a solid defense from the inside out
Together, they give Aaron Glenn two linebackers capable of impacting every down. Great defenses are rarely built on edge rushers and cornerbacks alone. They need linebackers who communicate, diagnose plays quickly, and clean up mistakes before they become explosive gains.
The Jets appear to have exactly that. Davis provides the veteran voice that helps organize the defense before the snap, while Sherwood's speed and tackling ability allow New York to match up against today's increasingly athletic offenses. Their skill sets don't overlap as much as they complement one another, creating the kind of balance championship-caliber defenses strive for. Still, the Jets still have plenty to prove before anyone places them among the AFC's elite.
The foundation of a good defense already appears to be in place. Davis continues proving that age doesn't always determine production. Sherwood continues proving he belongs among the league's better young linebackers.
Individually, each deserves more attention than he receives. Together, they may form one of the NFL's most overlooked linebacker duos, and if the Jets take a meaningful step forward this season, don't expect that distinction to last very long.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: Jets may have the NFL's most overlooked linebacker duo