The New England Patriots traded a fifth-round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles back in March to land Michael Bennett in what looked like it could be one of the best value moves of the offseason, but the veteran defensive end has slowly seen his role decrease through the first six games. He doesn’t seem thrilled about that.
Bennett played just 11 snaps in the Patriots’ win over the New York Giants on Thursday night, which was another dominant defensive effort. He seemed genuinely puzzled about the lack of playing time while speaking with Greg Bedard of BostonSportsJournal.com after the game.
“I don’t know what’s happening,” Bennett said. “You have to ask Bill (Belichick). I wish I knew. If I had a better answer, I would tell you. You’ve got to ask them, man. I’m just trying to do what they ask me to do.”
Bennett’s snap percentages from Week 1 through Week 6 have been as follows: 49, 45, 37, 27, 24, and 22. Bill Belichick downplayed the trend when asked about it earlier in the week, though he did say Bennett is still “trying to adapt to our system.” He praised Bennett and said he has been great to work with, but there is a feeling that the 33-year-old could be on his way out the door.
When asked if he had any idea he would play so little against the Giants, Bennett repeated the phrase “I wish I knew.” He made similar remarks about potentially being traded prior to the Oct. 29 deadline.
“I don’t know. We’re about to find out,” he said. “I really don’t know what’s going on. I wish I knew. I’d tell you.”
It’s hard to argue against any decision Belichick has made with his defense this year, as the unit has been nothing shy of dominant. The Patriots have allowed just 234.7 total and 8.0 points per game. The next-best team, the Chicago Bears, have allowed 13.8 points per game.
Bennett and Belichick appeared to have established a great relationship prior to the season, so it’s possible the coach simply feels other players are a better fit. With a defense that is on pace to potentially be the best in NFL history, Belichick certainly shouldn’t change anything he is doing. If that means Bennett gets traded, such is the nature of the business.
