How linebacker Bentley is taking it to another level this season

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Michael Carter made a beeline to the B-gap after taking a quick pitch from Jets quarterback Zach Wilson on the first series of the second half Sunday afternoon.

Unfortunately for the running back, Ja’whaun Bentley brought his A-game to the Meadowlands as the Patriots linebacker was a dominant figure in New England’s 25-6 victory.

Bentley flashed his left arm presnap as if to tell teammates where the ball was going before shooting through the gap (and a phantom shrug block from center Connor Mcgovern) and dropping Carter for a 3-yard loss.

It was clear Bentley had done his homework as he often appeared to recognize New York’s play calls instantly and flowed to the ball all game. The rugged inside linebacker led the Patriots with eight tackles and nearly recorded a fifth Wilson interception.

Bentley was thrust into a leadership role last season after free agency departures and opt-outs left the defense — particularly the linebacking corps — thin. It was not a foreign concept to Bentley, the first three-time captain in Purdue history.

New England transformed the second level of its defense in the offseason with the returns of Dont’a Hightower and Kyle Van Noy, and the free agent signing of Matt Judon.

Still, Bentley has found a way to expand his role and thrive this season — two things he’s done over his three previous years.

“He’s very smart. He’s a very good communicator,” said coach Bill Belichick. “Physical player, but I think he’s taking it to another level this year in training camp and even in the first couple of games in terms of his aggressiveness and instincts and reading and recognizing things a little bit quicker.”

Edelman to be honored: Julian Edelman will be honored at halftime of Sunday’s game against the Saints. The three-time Super Bowl champion was with the Patriots for 12 seasons and is second in franchise history in receptions (620), fourth in receiving yards (6,822), and ninth in receiving touchdowns (36). He ranks second in NFL annals with 118 postseason catches and was the MVP of Super Bowl LIII in February 2019, when he collected 10 catches for 141 yards in the win over the Rams. “Julian is a great player. I think he’s one of the best that’s been around here. Just his energy that he brings on a daily [basis] to the locker room and translating that to the field is great,” said left tackle Isaiah Wynn. “I’m happy for him and I’ll be looking forward to his halftime thing.”