The New England Patriots faced a tough Week 2 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, and it turned out to be a game to forget for the team and its fans.
Patriots Fall to the Seahawks
Not only did the Patriots suffer a defeat, but the team also endured significant injuries that could impact their season moving forward. The Patriots lost the game, marking a disappointing end to a game that saw several key players exit the field due to injury.
Ja'Whaun Bentley's Major Setback
Among the most concerning injuries was that of linebacker Ja'Whaun Bentley. The 28-year-old tore his pectoral muscle during the game, an injury that will keep him sidelined for an extended period. Initially labeled as questionable to return, Bentley's condition worsened, taking a toll on the defensive lineup.
Bentley has been a reliable performer for the Patriots, consistently delivering more than 100 tackles in each of the past three seasons. In the Patriots' Week 1 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, Bentley amassed 12 tackles and 0.5 sacks, showcasing his importance to the team's defense. Drafted in 2018 as a fifth-round pick, Bentley has spent his entire professional career with the Patriots.
His rookie year was cut short by a season-ending injury, but the team went on to clinch its sixth Super Bowl title that year. In the 2020 season, Bentley recorded 91 tackles and 1.5 sacks, and last year, he logged 114 tackles along with a career-high 4.5 sacks. Bentley's absence will undoubtedly be felt, given his consistent performance and leadership on the field.
Oshane Ximines Adds to the Woes
Linebacker Oshane Ximines also left the game early due to an injury, adding to the Patriots' defensive troubles. The team now faces the challenge of filling the gaps left by these key players, particularly Bentley, whose contributions have been invaluable.
Raekwon McMillan Steps Up
To address Bentley's absence, the Patriots will turn to Raekwon McMillan to fill the void in the starting lineup. McMillan, a second-round pick from the 2017 draft, is now in his fourth season with the Patriots. Before joining New England, he played for the Miami Dolphins and the Las Vegas Raiders.
McMillan brings experience to the role, with 33 career starts, including one for the Patriots during the 2022 season. However, McMillan missed the entire 2023 season due to an Achilles injury he suffered in the spring. His return to the lineup will be closely watched as the team aims to maintain defensive stability despite the recent setbacks.
The loss of Ja'Whaun Bentley is a significant blow for the Patriots, who relied heavily on his defensive prowess. With Bentley out, the pressure mounts on Raekwon McMillan and the rest of the defensive unit to step up and fill the considerable gap left by one of the team's standout linebackers. As the season continues, the resilience and adaptability of the Patriots' roster will be critical in overcoming these early challenges.