There was a time this summer when it looked like Anfernee Jennings might not be a member of the Patriots.
With a new defensive coaching staff in New England, Jennings fell down the depth chart during training camp and was subject to trade rumors as he played late into preseason games.
Ultimately, Jennings stayed put in Foxborough, and the Patriots are better for it. Always a strong edge setter, Jennings took on a bigger role as New England dealt with injuries down the stretch and was quite productive.
In the final five games of the season, Jennings registered five tackles for loss and five quarterback hits, while remaining stout against the run.
“There are things Ant does really well,” outside linebackers coach Mike Smith said. “Starting with the run game. He’s big and strong. He’s another kid that’s smart. Things come easy to him. Just setting that edge. When you get these tackles that are a little bit lighter, he’s got his power. He’s got his strength. And he’s another one that’s played this game for a while.”
Smith was a Ravens linebacker (2005-08) when the game was played differently. With Jennings, he sees a player that could have suited up alongside him in Baltimore and fared just fine.
“I couldn’t be fired up more about him,” Smith said. “He’s just tough. He’s an old school, throwback outside linebacker, man. I told him he could have played with me back in the day. But he’s been such a huge part of what we do. I couldn’t be more happy about how he’s playing.”
