The New England Patriots defensive end position appears to be lacking beyond Michael Bennett. New England has assembled a cast of characters who will compete for the second spot across from Bennett. And one of these lesser-known players could emerge as an outstanding contributor, because that’s what can happen in Bill Belichick’s system.
But Belichick doesn’t seem to be banking on it. The coach may be assembling a unique group of linebackers, who will be capable of providing support if the defensive line proves lackluster. The team has Dont’a Hightower, Kyle Van Noy, Jamie Collins and Ja’Whaun Bentley — a group of do-it-all linebackers who have a track record of success rushing the passer.
During Collins’ first stint with the Patriots from 2013 to Week 8 of 2016, he and Hightower developed the most pressures among off-ball linebackers, according to Pro Football Focus. That didn’t include Van Noy, who finished the 2018 season with the second-most pressures among off-ball linebackers.
That’s a formidable group who can help out the winner of the open competition at defensive end between John Simon, Chase Winovich, Deatrich Wise, Derek Rivers and others. Those defensive linemen may not strike fear into opposing quarterbacks and defensive coordinators. But the Patriots’ linebackers may.
And because the pressure would have to come through abnormal blitz packages, the Patriots’ linebackers will be even more challenging to stop, just like they were during Collins’ first stint. Collins, Hightower, Van Noy and even Bentley have the experience, smarts and versatility to make the Patriots defense unusual in ways that might mask their shortcomings at defensive end.
