Patriots linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley reveals he’s switching to single-digit jersey number
The NFL expanded its jersey number rules for the 2021 season. And Ja’Whaun Bentley is taking advantage.
🎱 x 🦍 See You Soon pic.twitter.com/INDfN74DEu
🎱 x 🦍 See You Soon pic.twitter.com/INDfN74DEu
— JB (@NVBentley33) May 14, 2021
Elevated to a major role out of necessity due to major roster turnover at linebacker, Bentley played 608 defensive snaps (60 percent) in 2020 for the Patriots, more than his 2018 and 2019 snaps combined. He played in 13 games and started all of them.
As primarily an inside linebacker, Bentley will be serving the “Mike” role most of the time he’s on the field in 2021. So when Tom Brady, who publicly complained about the rule change, comes to Foxboro with the Buccaneers in Week 4 this season, he’s going to be annoyed having to shout “8’s the mike!” repeatedly. Score one for Bill, I suppose.
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Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @mattydsays. You can also email him at mdolloff@985thesportshub.com.