The New York Jets let linebacker Kwon Alexander walk in free agency following the 2022 season, creating a serious opportunity for a 2021 fifth-round draft pick.
Jamien Sherwood won a training camp battle for the team's third linebacker spot in 2023. He played in all 17 games with most of his work coming on special teams as the Jets sparingly deployed a three-linebacker set, instead opting for five defensive backs on the field most of the time.
With the Jets opening the season in a three-linebacker formation against the San Francisco 49ers, Sherwood earned the start in Week 1 and logged 32 defensive snaps. It was only a precursor for what went down in Game 2.
Despite not starting against the Tennessee Titans, Sherwood found himself on the field for 54 reps on defense and was forced into a much more significant role than expected. When team captain CJ Mosley left the game with a toe injury, Sherwood stepped up and claimed communicator responsibilities at the center of the defense.
"Sherwood is our MIKE. A lot of faith in Sherwood," said fourth-year head coach Robert Saleh on Tuesday in Florham Park.
In the 24-17 win on September 15, Sherwood made a game-high nine defensive stops, including one tackle-for-loss, to go along with one pass break-up.
"Super comfortable with Jamien. He's done a phenomenal job developing as a professional football player. Full confidence in him to call the defense, make the checks that need to be made. He's got elite mental speed and elite communication skills, so not worried about him playing ball at all," said Saleh.
The 24-year-old Sherwood has appeared in 36 consecutive games for New York and will likely get to start on Thursday Night Football against the New England Patriots. Although not projected as a long-term issue, Mosley is still dealing with a big toe injury, and he was listed as a non-participant in back-to-back practices this week.
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