Phillips’ best season was 2018.

Prior to his injury-shortened 2019 campaign, Phillips was among the league’s best. In 2018, he was named to the Pro-Bowl and the All-Pro First-team both for his special teams ability. Despite not being named on the public fan ballot as a special teamer, Phillips received write-in votes as well as nods from his peers and coaches.

He finished 2018 with 94 total tackles. This came in the same season that James was drafted to basically take his starting spot at strong safety. Phillips did everything the team asked and ran all the way to the Pro Bowl with the gunner role.