New York Jets

Jets' Bowles: Defense wouldn't 'be able to function' without LB Harris

Published Dec. 16, 2015 2:04 p.m. ET

foxsports

The New York Jets defense was completely revamped from last season, adding guys like Darrelle Revis, Antonio Cromartie and Buster Skrine. However, one player who's remained with the franchise for the entirety of his career is linebacker David Harris.

He's started every game since 2009 and has been a vocal leader and veteran presence in the middle of the defense for some time, and head coach Todd Bowles probably wouldn't trade him for the world. In fact, Bowles doesn't think the defense would work without him.

"He's the most underrated guy over there," Bowles said during his press conference. "Without him, I don't know where we'd be. "I don't think we can function on defense if he wasn't playing right now."

Harris, like the rest of the Jets linebacker group, has struggled in coverage this season, but he's racked up 86 tackles, leading the team in that department. He's also added 2 1/2 sacks, two forced fumbles and three passes defensed. He may be underrated, but there's no question he's an important part of the defense, and Bowles echoed that on Wednesday.