New England Patriots: 5 most intriguing players entering 2019 season
Michael Bennett, DE
Veteran defensive lineman Michael Bennett may be the most gifted player the New England Patriots have had along the defensive line in the Bill Belihcick era.
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Players like Richard Seymour, Willie McGinest and Chandler Jones were great, but they weren’t as multi-dimensional as Bennett. While there was an element of mean in Seymour, it doesn’t compare to the level of mean Bennett will bring to the Patriots defense.
Even entering the season at 33 years old, Michael Bennett greatly improves the defensive line because of the level of physical play and effectiveness he provides. In 2018, he accumulated nine sacks, 15 tackles for a loss and 30 quarterback hits for the Philadelphia Eagles. He still has it and playing under Bill Belichick seems to have rejuvenated his excitement playing the game. Above all else, he seems committed to adding to his legacy while playing in a Patriots’ uniform.
"“It’s good now that I’m here, because I like everybody,” Bennett said as transcribed by NESN. “Tom (Brady) is cool. The whole team is cool, so it’s good. It’s euphoric to walk in this building every single day and see the standard, the level of play, the expectations every single day at practice. It’s always good to be here, and I’m looking forward to the opportunity to continuously build my career while I’m here.”"
In all, Michael Bennett is saying all the right things (even with some humor), but the intriguing part of him as a player will be how much more physical he makes the New England Patriots defensive line.