Jets' breakout defensive lineman attributes success to veteran Harrison Phillips

Charlie Baduini

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Jets' breakout defensive lineman attributes success to veteran Harrison Phillips image

It's been a tough year for the New York Jets under the leadership of first-time general manager Darren Mougey, whose roster is a little further behind in development than previously thought at the start of the season.

There have been positives, though, such as Mougey's savvy trades for fringe roster players who have been contributors since setting foot into One Jets Drive.

Take, for example, Jowon Briggs, an interior defensive lineman who has broken out for New York since coming over in a late summer trade with the Cleveland Browns. He's accumulated three sacks and five tackles for loss in 12 games and three starts.

Jowon Briggs credits Harrison Phillips for Jets success

Briggs attributed his play to the mentorship of fellow defensive lineman Harrison Phillips, who also came to the Jets in an August trade with the Minnesota Vikings.

"Harry's (Harrison Phillips) got a wealth of knowledge for the game, and you know it's something I'm really thankful for being a younger guy, a guy on a young team," Briggs told reporters.

"Harry's been around the block, Harry's been with coach E (DL coach Eric Washington), he knows what he's doing, he knows the coaching points, he knows the verbage, and every time I have a question, I can go ahead and ask Harry."

Briggs has been an excellent addition to the Jets' interior defensive line room, along with Phillips. They've been especially crucial since New York shipped Quinnen Williams to the Dallas Cowboys.

The credit also goes to Mougey, who did a great job landing both linemen for three future sixth-round picks.

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Staff Writer