Harrison Phillips on Josh Allen’s Rise
Harrison Phillips isn’t surprised at all by Josh Allen’s rise to elite quarterback status.
Looking back at last year’s MVP accolades and Allen’s recent win against Baltimore, it’s clear that Phillips, who was drafted in the same 2018 class, has been closely watching as their paths have diverged.
As the two prepare to meet as division rivals on Sunday, Phillips acknowledges what lies ahead.
“As a defensive lineman, I prefer facing quarterbacks who aren’t particularly fast,” he mentioned, reflecting on his time competing against Allen. “Josh has all the rushing records—there’s no doubt that his talent has a lot to do with it.”
Phillips, who was teammates with Allen from 2018 to 2021, expressed his support for the quarterback’s achievements though with a hint of rivalry. “I cheer for his success, just not when we’re playing against each other,” he shared. “He’s turned this organization around and is the MVP for a reason.”
“So, it’s going to be a tough matchup,” he added, with a slight pause.
The 29-year-old defensive tackle, who recently joined the Jets from Minnesota, described Allen’s competitive nature as “chronically competitive.” Phillips joked about his own competitive spirit, recalling, “I don’t think I ever beat him, even when we raced to the car.”
In fact, Phillips did manage a victory against Allen in 2022 when the Vikings edged out the Bills in a tight overtime game.
His role with the Jets is pivotal, addressing issues in their run defense that had previously allowed 121.1 rushing yards per game. In a recent game, they managed to hold Pittsburgh to just 53 rushing yards.
Though he contributed to that effort, Phillips felt there was room for improvement. “I hope that was my worst game this season,” he said earnestly.
Defensive line coach Eric Washington, who worked with Phillips in Buffalo, praised his leadership and communication skills. “He has an exceptional ability to clarify things in real time, especially when coaches aren’t there to provide guidance,” Washington noted, emphasizing Phillips’s strengths as a communicator.
