In what is a year of rebuilding for the New England Patriots, there have been some questions surrounding the lack of playing time for the Patriots rookie linebackers. Earlier this week, Patriots linebackers coach Jerod Mayo offered some explanation as to why the rookies have not seen more playing time.
Ja’Whaun Bentley was inactive for Monday’s contest with the New York Jets. That left only Josh Uche, Anfernee Jennings, and Cassh Maluia on the 53-man roster for the game. The rookies played a little bit more in certain roles on Monday , and that could serve as a springboard. Mayo indicated that linebackers could see more playing time sooner rather than later.
“This past week, Josh had more of a third-down role for us,” ex-Patriots linebacker and current inside linebackers coach Jerod Mayo said Friday. “He has great quickness to rush the passer and things like that. And then Anfernee had more of an early-down role. So, kind of splitting up those roles and really concentrating on a role instead of having those guys out there down after down after down after down, especially at this point in the season.
“So, we’re midway through the season now and hopefully those guys can take on a little bit more. But we’ll have to see.”
With the Patriots set to face a tough Baltimore Ravens team on Sunday, these rookies could figure into the equation quite a bit. With the running talents of quarterback Lamar Jackson, they could have their work cut out for them.
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