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Patriots gridiron news: Ja’Whaun Bentley showing signs of something good

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - OCTOBER 07: Ja'Whaun Bentley #4 of the Purdue Boilermakers intercepts a pass intended for Mark Williams #8 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers and returns it for a touchdown late in the fourth quarter at Ross-Ade Stadium on October 7, 2017 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - OCTOBER 07: Ja'Whaun Bentley #4 of the Purdue Boilermakers intercepts a pass intended for Mark Williams #8 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers and returns it for a touchdown late in the fourth quarter at Ross-Ade Stadium on October 7, 2017 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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It’s been only one preseason game, but New England Patriots rookie linebacker ja’Whaun Bentley is showing signs of being a factor on defense. 

Known as a thumper throughout his days at Purdue, New England Patriots rookie linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley has an opportunity to prove he is a lot more than that on a team starved for linebacker depth and reliability.

Drafted in the first-round by the Patriots in the 2018 NFL Draft, Bentley has impressed coaches during OTAs and training camp and has caught the interest of fans in the team’s first preseason game against the Washington Redskins.

As one of the few bright spots in 26-17 victory at Gillette Stadium last Thursday night, the 6-foot-2, 255-pound linebacker led the team with six tackles.  Most importantly, he had a presence on the field that made him look like he belonged out there with players like Dont’a Hightower and Kyle Van Noy.

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Just one preseason game, but it looks like the New England Patriots have something in Ja’Whaun Bentley.  Not just because of his performance on the practice field or during live reps, but because of how he carries himself as a player and his approach to making the team.

"“There’s no comfort level.  Especially with me,” Bentley said, as transcribed by The Providence Journal.  “you’ll really want to constantly find something you can get better at and that’s one thing as a team we take pride in here is constantly getting better.  Constantly taking the next step and progressing physically and mentally.”"

Along with fellow rookie linebacker Christian Sam, Bentley has a chance to make an impact within the Patriots’ defense immediately.  What may set Bentley is his natural leadership abilities and the trust he is earning from the coaches.

As we know, New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick loves smart, intelligent players, and Ja’Whaun Bentley is that and then some.

"“Ja’Whaun’s a smart kid, so the mental has never been an issue with him,” Belichick said following Thursday’s game."

We’ll have to see how it all translates on the field during the next three preseason games, but so far so good for the man from Purdue.

Injury report 

On the injury front, running back Rex Burkhead did not practice on Sunday, neither did offensive tackle Marcus Cannon, running back Sony Michel and linebacker Harvey Langi. 

While Cannon, Michel and Langi are not surprising, the absence of Burkhead will be something to watch as the preseason progresses.

Elsewhere, veteran offensive lineman Brian Schwenke returned to the practice field along with wide receiver Kenny Britt.  Cornerbacks Jonathan Jones and Cyrus Jones were also participants on the practice field after returning from the Physically Unable to Play list.

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Both Jonathan and Cyrus should add to the interesting competition emerging at the cornerback position for the New England Patriots.

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