Patriots Coach Identifies Player Reminiscent of ‘Old School’ NFL
During the summer, Anfernee Jennings was on the cusp of leaving the New England Patriots. With the arrival of a new defensive coaching staff, he found himself lower on the depth chart. Trade rumors circulated as he played well into preseason games. Ultimately, Jennings remained with the team in Foxborough, significantly contributing to their success.
Jennings’ Impact on the Patriots’ Defense
Despite facing competition, Jennings emerged as a strong edge setter. As injuries struck the team late in the season, he stepped up, showcasing his skills effectively. In the final five games, he recorded five tackles for loss and five quarterback hits, demonstrating his prowess against the run.
Coaching Praise for Jennings
Mike Smith, the outside linebackers coach for the Patriots, highlighted Jennings’ strengths. He emphasized Jennings’ ability in the run game, noting his size and intelligence. “He’s big and strong. He’s smart, and things come easy to him,” Smith remarked. He appreciates Jennings’ capability to handle lighter offensive tackles with power and tenacity.
A Throwback Player
Smith compared Jennings to the “old school” players he once played alongside while with the Baltimore Ravens. “He’s just tough. He’s an old school, throwback outside linebacker,” Smith stated. His admiration for Jennings is clear, as he noted that he could have easily seen him playing during his time in the league. Smith added, “I couldn’t be more happy about how he’s playing.”
- Player: Anfernee Jennings
- Team: New England Patriots
- Position: Outside Linebacker
- Contributions: 5 tackles for loss, 5 quarterback hits in final 5 games
- Coach: Mike Smith
Jennings’ development into a key defensive player reinforces the idea that the Patriots are built for resilience and strength. His “old school” playing style has not only stabilized the defense but has also redefined what it means to be an effective linebacker in today’s game.
