Jones replaces the retired James White as an offensive captain. The Pats named six total team captains, up from only five in 2021. They also needed to replace linebacker Dont’a Hightower, who remains unsigned. Here’s a quick look at the other 2022 Patriots team captains…
LB Ja’Whaun Bentley
Ja’Whaun Bentley #8 of the New England Patriots celebrates after tackling Ezekiel Elliott #21 of the Dallas Cowboys in the second quarter at Gillette Stadium on October 17, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Matthew Judon may be the Patriots’ most productive, impactful linebacker, but even he defers to Bentley as one of the captains of the defense. Bentley, a fifth-year pro, is poised to take over a full-time role manning the middle of the D, while ensuring everyone else is on the same page.
“I’m not going to lie, 8’s our leader, 8 is our leader and we’re all rallying behind him,” Judon said of Bentley during camp, when asked about his own leadership role. “That’s who our leader is.”
Bentley was a team captain in 2020, stepping into big-time snaps after Hightower opted out of that season. Now he’s thrust back into the lead role, helming a retooled Patriots linebacking corp that should be faster and more explosive than the past two seasons.
DE Deatrich Wise
FOXBOROUGH, MA – JUNE 16: Devin McCourty #32, Deatrich Wise Jr. #91, and Lawrence Guy #93 of the New England Patriots walk onto the field at the New England Patriots practice facility for mandatory minicamp on June 16, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)
Perhaps the most surprising add to the group, Wise replaces Lawrence Guy as a defensive captain. He’s now in his sixth NFL season and in year 2 of a four-year extension with New England. Wise started to grab more starter’s snaps on the defensive line late in the preseason, a sign that he’s coming along as a run-defender and edge-setter. He could be a starter to begin the 2022 season.
S Devin McCourty
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – AUGUST 11: Devin McCourty #32 of the New England Patriots looks on during the preseason game between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on August 11, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Obviously. The 12-year veteran has long been a prominent voice in the Patriots’ locker room, and that’s not going to change as long as he’s suiting up. He figures to once again lock down the deep part of the field as the leader of a deep, skilled safety group. If the Pats limit big passing plays down the field, that means McCourty is doing his job.
ST Matthew Slater
Patriots special teams captain Matthew Slater. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/USA TODAY Sports)
Ooooobviously. Slater has been the longest-tenured Patriot since the departure of Tom Brady in 2020 and remains an elite special teamer at age 36. He’s made the first or second All-Pro team in each of the past three seasons and continues to be one of the most respected figures across the NFL. So this was another no-brainer.
The Patriots are already in southern Florida, getting ready for the heat and humidity of Miami in the 2022 season opener at Hard Rock Stadium. We’ll continue to keep you covered on Pats-Dolphins here at 985TheSportsHub.com.
