Jamien Sherwood Taking Off As Jets Replacement Linebacker

C.J. Mosley has been the vocal leader of the New York Jets locker room for the better part of the last five seasons.

At many times, he has been the best and only top player on defense. Now, at 32 years old, the linebacker is joined by plenty of top players around the defensive unit.

A toe injury has also kept him off the field to boot.

In his place, fourth-year linebacker Jamien Sherwood has taken over the mantle of the Jets defensive play-caller, and has excelled in the position once dominated by Mosley.

"He's done a great job, he really has," Jets defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich said. "Jamien's another one of those guys who, you guys know that have been around him, his approach on a daily basis is unmatched as far as how hard he works at this thing.

"He's a guy that obviously was a converted safety when he got to us, very unfamiliar with the linebacker position. Everything was brand new to him, but it has gotten to that place where the game is really starting to slow down for him. He's getting really comfortable at the position and he's got some innate leadership that's really cool to see."

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The longer Sherwood continues to dominate at a high level, the better the Jets are to eventually replace the older Mosley for the future.

It was a thought some had going into the season, and it appears to be playing out that way now.