The first game without Ja’Whaun Bentley in the lineup was a struggle for the New England Patriots’ defense. The unit surrendered 24 points in a three-touchdown loss to the New York Jets and saw its linebackers, primarily Jahlani Tavai and Raekwon McMillan, fail to properly replace the long-time team captain.
Missed tackles, bad angles, insufficient coverage, you name it — the Patriots made “uncharacteristic” mistakes with Bentley out due to a torn pectoral muscle. While their short turnaround between Weeks 2 and 3 can partially be blamed, they need to address those issues and find a way to fill the sizable shoes worn by Bentley.