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Patriots Gridiron News: Michael Bennett goes from Patriots hater to lover

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 25: Defensive end Michael Bennett #77 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates a sack against the New York Giants during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on November 25, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Philadelphia Eagles won 25-22. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 25: Defensive end Michael Bennett #77 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates a sack against the New York Giants during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on November 25, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Philadelphia Eagles won 25-22. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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New England Patriots new defensive end Michael Bennett says he had a change of heart about the way he feels for his new team.

The New England Patriots lost top pass rusher Trey Flowers to free agency but did add a veteran defensive end in Michael Bennett.

Prior to the official start of NFL free agency, the Patriots acquired Bennett in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles.  In a move that may have hinted that the team was out on Flowers, Bill Belichick is gaining an experienced veteran who still has the capability of anchoring the defensive line.

While what he does on the field is the Belichick’s true concern, the team is also adding a player with a personality much like his brother Marcellus Bennett who spent a season and a half with the Patriots.  Like his brother, Michael Bennett is outspoken, and does come with a sense of humor.

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Case and point, his reaction to joining a team that defeated him in the Super Bowl when he played for the Seattle Seahawks.  Like most players outside of the organization, Bennett admitted he hated the Patriots due to their constant winning and perceived persona.

"“I used to hate the Patriots.  I’d hate it because they’d win so much.  I’d hate it because Tom Brady’s hair was long.  I’d hate it that [Bill] Belichick would wear sweaters.  But now that I’m here, I love you.  I love Tom Brady’s hair,” Bennett told the media, via Patriots.com.  “I love being a Patriots because, obviously, it’s all about winning.  I think everything about the organization is about team-first.  It’s just about doing what you need to do to get to where we want to go as a group.  I think I love that.”"

At the age of 33, Bennett is entering the downside of his career, but still has more than enough left to make an impact on a New England Patriots defense that ended the 2018 season on a high note.

With both his physical presence and toughness on the field, the veteran defensive end should help make up for some of the void left by the loss of Trey Flowers to free agency and the release of veteran defensive end Adrian Clayborn.

The team is also hopeful that his experience will help guide young defensive ends like Deatrich Wise, Derek Rivers and whoever the team adds in the upcoming 2019 NFL Draft.

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In recording 9.0 sacks last season with the Eagles, it is obvious a motivated Michael Bennett can still produce for a contending team.  Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots defense is looking for this Bennett brother to buy into the Patriot Way and help them win another Super Bowl just like his brother did back in 2016.

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