Jamien Sherwood Shines Despite Jets' Struggles, Auburn Alums Make Their Mark Across NFL Week 16
The New York Jets didn’t have much to celebrate in their 29-6 loss to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, but linebacker Jamien Sherwood gave fans a reason to keep watching. Sherwood tied for the team lead with 11 tackles, picked up his second sack of the season, and added two tackles for loss in another standout performance that’s becoming routine for the third-year pro.
With that effort, Sherwood now sits at 140 tackles on the season-just 18 shy of the 158 he posted in 2024, which set the Auburn NFL single-season record since the stat began being widely tracked in 1987. And with two games still left on the schedule, he’s got a real shot at rewriting his own record.
One play in particular turned heads: on a fourth-and-1 at the Saints’ 45-yard line in the second quarter, Sherwood channeled his inner Troy Polamalu, leaping over the line and bringing down Taysom Hill in a play that was equal parts athleticism, timing, and pure instinct. It was the kind of moment that lives on in highlight reels-and in opposing coordinators’ nightmares.
Sherwood was one of 15 former Auburn Tigers who saw action in Week 16, and several others made their presence felt around the league.
Around the League: Auburn Alumni in Action
Carolina Panthers 23, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20
Derrick Brown continues to be a force in the middle for Carolina. The defensive tackle notched five tackles and added his fifth sack of the season, anchoring a Panthers defense that held on late to edge Tampa Bay.
On the other side, Bucs cornerback Jamel Dean started and delivered a solid outing with four tackles and a pass breakup. Defensive tackle Jayson Jones remains on Tampa’s practice squad.
Buffalo Bills 23, Cleveland Browns 20
Browns tight end Sal Cannella was inactive, currently on the team’s practice squad.
Los Angeles Chargers 34, Dallas Cowboys 17
Veteran long snapper Josh Harris quietly hit a career milestone. Playing in his 213th regular-season game, Harris moved past Karlos Dansby for sixth all-time in NFL appearances by an Auburn alum.
He handled all the snapping duties on four extra points, two field goals, and a punt. With just two games left, he won’t climb any higher in 2025, but his name is now etched just behind Auburn legends like Al Del Greco (248) and Tony Richardson (234).
Chargers rookie wide receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith added to his résumé with a 10-yard catch-his third of the season-and returned two kickoffs for 36 yards.
Dallas tight end Rivaldo Fairweather remains on the practice squad.
Cincinnati Bengals 45, Miami Dolphins 21
Dolphins linebacker K.J. Britt contributed on special teams, recording one tackle.
Minnesota Vikings 16, New York Giants 13
Austin Keys was sidelined for the Vikings due to an ankle injury, listed as inactive on game day.
Giants wideout Darius Slayton had a quiet day, hauling in one pass for eight yards.
Tennessee Titans 26, Kansas City Chiefs 9
Titans linebacker Dorian Mausi chipped in with a special teams tackle as Tennessee’s defense dominated the defending champs.
Atlanta Falcons 26, Arizona Cardinals 19
Arizona’s Owen Pappoe made his mark on special teams with one tackle. Fellow linebacker Eku Leota remained on the practice squad.
Jacksonville Jaguars 34, Denver Broncos 20
All eyes were on Bo Nix, and the rookie quarterback delivered a career-best performance. Nix threw for 352 yards, completing 28-of-47 passes with one touchdown and one interception.
He also added 11 rushing yards on four carries but lost a fumble. His 15-yard touchdown pass to Courtland Sutton tied the game at 7-7 in the second quarter-an early highlight in a game that eventually slipped away from the Broncos.
Backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham suited up but didn’t see the field. Jaguars tackle Kilian Zierer remained on the practice squad, while linebacker Jalen McLeod continues to rehab on injured reserve.
Pittsburgh Steelers 29, Detroit Lions 24
Jack Driscoll suited up for Pittsburgh after being elevated from the practice squad, though he didn’t log any snaps.
Lions safety Daniel Thomas made one special teams tackle in a game that came down to the wire.
Houston Texans 23, Las Vegas Raiders 21
Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson stayed perfect on the day, converting all three of his extra-point attempts.
Texans defensive tackle Marlon Davidson returned to action for the first time since 2023, making one tackle after being elevated from the practice squad. Marcus Harris remained inactive for Houston.
Las Vegas wide receiver Shedrick Jackson and defensive tackle JJ Pegues were both on the field, though Pegues exited early with a hand injury and did not record a stat.
New England Patriots 28, Baltimore Ravens 24
Cornerback Carlton Davis matched his season high with eight tackles and added a tackle for loss as he helped the Patriots hold off a late Ravens push.
Week 16 Recap and What’s Ahead
Week 16 kicked off Thursday night with a thriller, as the Seahawks edged the Rams 38-37 in overtime. Saturday brought more drama, with the Eagles taking down Washington 29-18 and the Bears outlasting the Packers 22-16 in another overtime finish.
The week wraps up Monday night in Indianapolis, where the Colts host the 49ers at Lucas Oil Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:15 p.m. CDT, with coverage on ABC and ESPN.
As the regular season winds down, players like Jamien Sherwood are making their cases not just for Pro Bowl recognition, but for something even bigger-legacies that stick. With two games left, all eyes are on how far he can push the numbers, and how many more highlight moments he can deliver.