Patriot knows patience is key
Linebacker waiting for chance to prove worth
Linebacker Bentley hopes to make impact in third season
Ja’Whaun Bentley’s first two seasons with the Patriots were a cross between buzzard’s luck and patience.
Heralded as a diamond in the rough after getting selected in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft, Bentley’s rookie season was cut short to three games after suffering a torn pectoral muscle in a Week 3
Sunday night game at Detroit. In limited time, the linebacker had earned enough trust of the New England coaching staff to start two games. The Purdue University product rewarded their faith by recording an interception while racking up 14 total tackles.
In 2019, Bentley found himself taking a back seat as the Patriots relied on Jamie Collins, who was in his second goaround with the team. Bentley managed to stay healthy with appearances in all 16 regular-season games, yet his two starts point to just how tough it was for him to see the field on a consistent basis.
With Collins off to Detroit and two additional linebackers in Elandon Roberts and Kyle Van Noy leaving New England for fellow AFC East rival Miami, it would appear Bentley
has a chance to make a significant move up the depth chart and emerge as an important defensive contributor as the 23-year-old prepares for his third season in Foxboro.
“Coming from college to the pros, you surround yourself with great veterans, which we have in our organization, so it was a huge opportunity to learn from those guys and kind of implement what you’ve been learning and add it to your game,” said Bentley during a video conference call with reporters on Wednesday. “I feel like year one to year two, took some good steps, but year three, you also want to take those progressive steps and take your game to the next level.
“Each guy has a role to play. We stress that a whole lot as an organization, finding a role and sticking with it,” Bentley added. “Whatever that role may be this year, I’m going to look to again progress as well as find as many opportunities that the team needs to be filled.”
Bentley predominantly lined up at inside linebacker during his college days but could find himself on the edge after the offseason departures of Collins, Roberts, and Van Noy. The Patriots still have veteran Dont’a Hightower but replenished the linebacking unit with the addition of free agent Brandon Copeland and 2020 draft picks Josh Uche and Anfernee Jennings.
“This is becoming kind of a cliché answer, but whatever the team needs I’m looking to do,” said Bentley. “So whether that is on the ball or off the ball, whatever I’m asked to do as far as our game plan and things like that, that’s what I’ll do.”
The fact that the NFL’s season has been anything but typical due to the coronavirus pandemic may prove to work in Bentley’s favor. He understands the playbook and has the inside track regarding what the Patriots are looking for out of their linebackers, hence he figures to have a leg up on the team’s newcomers to the position.
Asked if he’s been able to connect with rookie linebackers Uche and Jennings and provide a heads-up on what awaits them once training camp commences, Bentley paused. It wasn’t that long ago when he was in the rookie’s shoes.
“Our virtual meetings have played a big part, but not having mini-camp and OTAs was an adjustment for them as well as for us. We’ve still had opportunities to see them and create an atmosphere as much as we can so they’ll be able to get to know us and we can get to know them as well,” said Bentley. “Having knowledge and not sharing it does no one any good. Having some experience, I feel that I have a lot to offer. We have rookies who aren’t afraid to ask questions and that’s a big thing.”