Double trouble for Pats depth
Burkhead, Bentley put on IR
FOXBORO — Yesterday brought a double dose of discouraging news to the Patriots, as running back Rex Burkhead and linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley joined the team’s ever-expanding injured reserve list.
The Pats, who haven’t seen much return from their past few draft classes, are now watching their 2018 class shrink at an unbelievable rate. Offensive tackle Isaiah Wynn, cornerback Duke Dawson, linebacker Christian Sam, wide receiver Braxton Berrios, tight end Ryan Izzo and Bentley are all part of the rehab crew. Of that group, only Dawson and Bentley are eligible to return.
It’s always disconcerting when two quasi-starters land on IR, but given the Patriots’ specific early season struggles, this is an especially troubling situation.
The bottom line: The Pats cannot stop the run, and they can’t run the ball. Not an ideal time to lose a linebacker and a running back.
The Pats are getting blown away on first down by opposing offensive lines, putting quarterbacks like Blake Bortles and Matthew Stafford in advantageous spots. The run defense needs help, and Bentley was emerging as a difference-maker. It’s no stretch to suggest that Bentley was the team’s most effective linebacker in Weeks 1-3.
“He was doing really well picking up things,” said fellow linebacker Kyle Van Noy, “and we’ll be excited for him next year.”
Whether the undisclosed injury wipes away the rest of Bentley’s season or merely the next two months (two players are eligible to return from IR after eight weeks), the fact remains the front seven cannot afford to take a long-term hit. The Pats are allowing 4.8 yards per carry on first-down rushing attempts. The one thing they’ve done well is defend end-arounds. When those carries are removed from the equation, they’re surrendering 5.2 yards per rushing attempt on first down. The run defense, unequivocally, is a mess.
When opponents are consistently in second-andshort situations, Van Noy said it “opens up the door for them to be able to do everything.”
“We’re behind in the count, kind of like a pitcher and a batter,” Van Noy said. “And we’ve got to do everything we can to get ahead.”
So how about the other side of the ball?
Once again, the running game is killing the Pats. They’re averaging 3.8 yards per carry on first-and-10. They’re putting Tom Brady in tough spots, and the running game isn’t getting the job done when Brady creates manageable thirddown scenarios.
“We actually haven’t been in third-and-long that much,” said running back James White. “We’ve been in third-and-short a lot. We just haven’t been able to do anything with it.”
The numbers bear that out. When running the ball on third-and-3 or fewer, the Patriots have converted just 3-of-9 times. That’s where the loss of Burkhead hurts.
Burkhead served as the team’s primary short-yardage back in 2017, usurping Mike Gillislee. He was effective in the role, converting a first down or touchdown on 9-of-14 attempts that required him to gain three yards or fewer.
Burkhead was also a polished receiver who could play alongside White in a rare two-tailback set.
Now, additional responsibility falls into the lap of rookie Sony Michel, who underwhelmed in Sunday night’s loss to the Lions. With Burkhead and Jeremy Hill on injured reserve, the Pats are rolling with Michel, White and Kenjon Barner at running back. The latter two are primarily pass-catchers, so Michel will be expected to handle early down work and, hopefully, boost the team’s average of 3.8 yards per attempt on first down.
“He’s a physical runner,” White said. “He’ll make you miss or he’ll run through you. He’s a tough guy, and he’s working extremely hard to get better.”
White noted Michel is “really trying to learn” and catch up after missing the entire month of August. Given the Patriots’ issues at wide receiver, they’d benefit immensely from a consistent running game.
Across the room from White’s locker yesterday, the struggling Pats defense engaged in an extended discussion, led by veteran linebacker Dont’a Hightower. He first spoke with second-year defensive end Derek Rivers, then made his way to the lockers of Lawrence Guy and Deatrich Wise. Hightower and his teammates appeared to be discussing technique, some of the finer points of team defense.
Van Noy believes the Patriots will bounce back “like (they) always do.”
“I hope we can just show you guys on Sunday,” Van Noy said.