This preseason has not been particularly kind to New England Patriots veterans. Most of the praise has been lauded on newcomers, particularly the 2025 rookie class. The early picks were spent on offense, but rookie defenders S Craig Woodson and DT Joshua Farmer have stood out as well. The defense also saw plenty of upgrades through free agency as well including DE Milton Williams, LBs Robert Spillane and Harold Landry, and CB Carlton Davis.
This pushed some of the Patriots' returning defenders down the depth chart. This has included S Kyle Dugger spending time on the field during preseason garbage time. Dugger being out on the field during the fourth quarter was startling for those who have followed his career. While he may have never fulfilled his promise as a second-round pick, playing tons of time in the second half of preseason games is concerning.
Just as much of a concern is Anfernee Jennings' playing time. Jennings has been a major contributor to the Patriots' defense the last two seasons. While the overall unit didn't perform well, Jennings has seen almost every counting statistic improve every year. While the Patriots invested heavily in the defense via free agency, it's alarming that he has fallen down the depth chart.
Anfernee Jennings Should Make the Final Roster After Preseason Performances
Preseason snap counts and playing time are sometimes tricky. Coaches want the starters to get some reps, but not too many. Players on the roster bubble should see more time on the field, but those closer to making the team should see their time against the opponents' second unit (if not some time with the starters). Jennings is getting time against the third and fourth units. When asked about playing time, Mike Vrabel spoke on how he divvies up time.
"We only have so many guys. There are guys who didn’t travel, guys who didn’t play and we have to have 11 out there every play. And so, this is the third week of our first training camp as a coaching staff and as a team. That’s what I want everybody to realize. It’s the third week of our first year and we have to get this right. Everybody just be prepared to play for however long that you’re in there or whenever your asked or to help out on special teams. Somebody’s got to protect the punter, somebody’s got to go out on the field-goal unit. Somebody has to be on kickoff return. Our obligation is that we have to protect the guys who have the ball and we have to be able to play and get stops just like we did. That builds confidence and trust throughout everybody on the team."Mike Vrabel
That was a long-winded and nice way to say, "somebody needs to be on the field and some of these guys I don't need to see anymore of, they're locks". Jennings doesn't seem to have that luxury, but maybe he should. Jennings performed well against the Commanders but really turned it up against the Vikings, recording three sacks and three tackles on Saturday.
Getting to the QB three times would indicate that Jennings has heard Vrabel's message about attacking and aggression on defense. Jennings' role in previous defensive sets was to set the edge and funnel plays to the middle of the field, a role he played well. Vrabel wants his linebackers to have the ability to rush the passer. Keion White, Harold Landry, and K'Lavon Chaisson are better suited for the pass-rushing roles.
The Patriots would be remiss to not attempt to keep Jennings on the team. Jennings seems to be someone who has a primary skill set as a run stopper, but has the ability to adapt. Showing his ability to pressure the quarterback should give Vrabel pause before making final cuts. Jennings is a key returning veteran who can mentor some of the newer Patriots but also provide valuable depth. It will be interesting to see when and where Jennings plays against the Giants on Thursday.