Demario Davis: The New York Jets’ Forgotten Man

Dec 29, 2013; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; New York Jets inside linebacker DeMario Davis (56) kneels down after defeating the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

When you look at a football team’s defense, there are two different types of players you encounter. The first are the ones that gain the notoriety. You have the defensive backs that get their name in the box score after recording interceptions, passes defended…etc. You have the defensive ends and outside linebackers that get noticed because they record the most sacks.

Then, you have the forgotten players. Unless your name is Patrick Willis or previously, Brian Urlacher, to name a couple, inside linebackers are forgotten. They do a lot of the grunt work to let the guys shine on the outside, but the spotlight is off of them.

But, to the delight of Jets fans, the Jets now have a name to add to the list of recognizable inside linebackers. His name is Demario Davis. He is, and will be, the real deal.

Demario was drafted in the third round of the 2012 draft, and many experts thought he might be one of the big steals of the draft at that point. Could he be proving the experts true? I believe so.

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In 2013, Demario broke out to be the player we were expecting, posting 107 total tackles, one interception and a pass defended. He added one sack to that stat line as well.

His playing mate was as big of a reason as any that he played well. Demario had the luxury of playing alongside David Harris, who has AVERAGED over 100 tackles per season. The type of consistency that Davis has displayed is contagious. There is no doubt that has rubbed off on Demario Davis.

Besides being a good tackler, Demario also showed that he could get to the passer. In addition to his one sack, he recorded three quarterback hits, and 15 hurries, the hurries being good for second best in the league. Demario Davis’ potential showed through in spades last season.

Demario was kind enough to interview with us prior to his 2012 rookie season.  His answers give a look into why he is going to continue to be good.  He talks about the high expectations he places on himself.  He says he has to “be his own man”.  All Demario Davis wants to do is bring us Jets’ fans something we haven’t seen in quite some time, a championship.

This kind of a talk speaks of a work ethic that will continue for an entire career.  It all leads to Demario Davis being dominant on the inside for the New York Jets.

Everyone typically forgets about the inside linebackers.  They get lots of tackles but don’t get noticed.  Notice Demario Davis.  You will be happy you did.