New England Patriots - NESN.com
The Pittsburgh Steelers are getting some pretty decent intel prior to their matchup with the New England Patriots.
It’s like a family reunion at The Rooney Sports Complex.
The Steelers will sign linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley to their practice squad on Wednesday, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Jabrill Peppers also signed with the club last week, making that two former Patriots captains to join the organization ahead of their matchup at Gillette Stadium in Week 3.
I don’t know much about advanced scouting, but this seems a bit excessive.
Bentley, in all seriousness, will be a welcomed addition to what has been one of the more surprisingly poor defensive units in all of football this season. Payton Wilson has not taken the step they’d hoped, leaving a major hole in their run defense following the departure of (another) ex-Patriots linebacker Elandon Roberts.
New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields and running back Breece Hall combined for 155 rushing yards against that unit in Week 1, while Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker totaled 105 yards on just 13 carries in Week 2.
It’ll take time, but expect the veteran linebacker to find his way into a gameday role at some point this season.
Bentley missed almost the entirety of last season after suffering a torn pectoral muscle in Week 2 against the Seattle Seahawks. The Patriots signed him to a contract extension just prior to that season, but eventually decided to cut ties following the transition of power from Jerod Mayo to Mike Vrabel.
The Patriots and Steelers’ matchup is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, with a few familiar faces being given the opportunity to return to their former home.
