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Gonna do a deep dive into Ja’Whaun Bentley's 2019 tape, including some of my favorite moments and how well he executes different responsibilities (from an outsider's perspective).
Starting off with two cool sets of plays from WK 4 vs BUF where Bentley corrected mistakes in-game
Starting off with two cool sets of plays from WK 4 vs BUF where Bentley corrected mistakes in-game
Bentley has the awareness and IQ to man the middle for a long time.
Communicative player and a quick processor who consistently finds efficient angles to the ball. Rarely caught so far out of position he can't recover, which says a lot given his lack of elite athleticism
Communicative player and a quick processor who consistently finds efficient angles to the ball. Rarely caught so far out of position he can't recover, which says a lot given his lack of elite athleticism
You'd think Bentley's tape chasing lateral runs would be tough to watch, but he's great avoiding traffic and taking smart angles to get from point A to point B quickly.
If I have a gripe, modest lateral ability force him to open his hips early, leading to him overrunning plays
If I have a gripe, modest lateral ability force him to open his hips early, leading to him overrunning plays
GRAY AWAY
The only thing scarier than Bentley shedding blocks is how unbothered he looks at times while 300 lbers are trying to assert their dominance over him.
Difficult player to move where he doesn't wanna go 1-on-1 and shows the balance, power to make tackles thru contact
Difficult player to move where he doesn't wanna go 1-on-1 and shows the balance, power to make tackles thru contact
CORRECTED VIDEO
Rangy, do-it-all LBs like Deion Jones and Tremaine Edmunds are understandably in vogue rn, but guys like Ja’Whaun Bentley still have a place in this league.
Bentley’s leadership and block deconstruction are rare, while his instincts, awareness mitigate average physical traits
Bentley’s leadership and block deconstruction are rare, while his instincts, awareness mitigate average physical traits
His snap count may be limited against track teams like KC, but Bentley is excellent in his role and must be mentioned when discussing the future of this defense.
Escaping 51's grasp isn't easy, even in the open field where it may seem the receiver has an advantage.
His wide wingspan, huge arms engulf ballcarriers and he does a great job breaking down before exploding to his target. Packs a punch and allows minimal yards after contact
His wide wingspan, huge arms engulf ballcarriers and he does a great job breaking down before exploding to his target. Packs a punch and allows minimal yards after contact
Bentley is built like a prototypical downhill thumper, and most importantly he plays like one.
Prorotypically tough and relishes contact. Confident reading his keys and pulls the trigger as soon as RBs commit, tho he falls victim to false steps at times. Good range in the box
Prorotypically tough and relishes contact. Confident reading his keys and pulls the trigger as soon as RBs commit, tho he falls victim to false steps at times. Good range in the box
Bentley's ability to deconstruct blocks is almost startling. He does it with a level of ease you rarely see in the NFL these days.
Bench presses OL like a lineman, sheds whenever he wants, strong feel for leverage, and simply doesn't succumb to cutbacks
Bench presses OL like a lineman, sheds whenever he wants, strong feel for leverage, and simply doesn't succumb to cutbacks
