The Greatest NFL Starting Job Thefts of All Time

GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 18: (2nd left) Offensive Coordinator Todd Haley of the Arizona Cardinals and (M) head coach Ken Whisenhunt talks with (R) quarterback Kurt Warner #13 as (L) quarterback Matt Leinart #7 stands behind and watches against the Philadelphia Eagles during the NFC championship game on January 18, 2009 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

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18 Oct 1998: Linebacker Mo Lewis #57 of the New York Jets in action during the game against the New England Patriots at the Foxboro Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. The Jets defeated the Patriots 24-14. Mandatory Credit: Ezra O. Shaw /Allsport /

New York Jets: Mo Lewis takes over for Hugh Douglas

Most people hear the names Mo Lewis and they always think of the moment where he hit Drew Bledsoe and brought about the Tom Brady era. They forget that the linebacker was actually a damn good football player for a long time in New York, as was the guy he replaced a few years prior.

Hugh Douglas was a force the first two years as a Jet in 1995 and 1996, racking up 18 sacks in just 25 games. Injuries slowed his progress though and he had just 4.5 in 1997. Adding to the problem was the fact that New York had switched to a 3-4 defense. Something he wasn’t ready for.

One man who embraced it was Lewis. That system was perfect for him and it showed when he notched eight sacks that ’97 season. Douglas was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in 1998. Lewis went ended up with three Pro Bowls for New York. Douglas did the same during his run in Philly. A rare case where change worked out for both sides.

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