NY Jets 2015 Spotlight: Damon Harrison

The NY Jets took a risk on a player not many people knew about and has become a catalyst on defense. Defensive tackle Damon Harrison continues to make a name for himself.

The Jets’ defense has been the success of the organization these past few seasons and one particular person has had them even take it to a new level. Damon Harrison has played a big part of the overall success on defense in being the second best in stopping the run this season as the defensive line only gave up an average of 83.4 yards per game.

Harrison was given a chance and he took the opportunity while embracing the role he was given. His stats last season was the best in his young career as he totaled 39 tackles, 33 assists and one forced fumble. He has been causing havoc to the opponents’ running game because they are unable to get it going. You know you are getting noticed when division rival head coach Bill Belichick considered Harrison the best nose tackle in the game.

With last season being a contract year for him, there is no question Harrison played harder than he did before. He wanted to make sure he was going to be earning a big contract and be secured for his family and future. The big question is will the Jets be able to offer him a contract for the right money? Quite frankly he has earned it but at the end of the day, it all comes down to business.

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He has been able to show his talents and he has developed each season because he has gained confidence.

The Jets will like to try to sign him before he hits the free agency market to avoid the possibility of losing him.

Harrison will be turning 28 years old next November which could make the Jets possibly be cautious in signing him to a long-term contract. Finding the right nose tackle to fit a particular defensive scheme is difficult to find, and giving up on Harrison I think would be a key loss for the Jets.

If you want to win championships in the NFL, you need to build a defense that is going to fit the scheme you are planning to run. As an organization, you will need to build it from the inside and work your way out. Harrison was given the opportunity by the Jets and has run with it.

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He is one of the main reasons the Jets have been on top as having one of the best defenses in the league as he still has a few good years of football left in him. I think if they were to re-sign Harrison to a moderate deal to satisfy both sides, then you have one of the key pieces in getting yourself closer to the Super Bowl. I think from what I have seen, this is just the beginning for Harrison and he wants to continue to prove to people that he can play and still be effective in the NFL.