Why Patriots Coach Isn’t Bothered By Uneventful Trade Deadline

The New England Patriots let the trade deadline pass without adding any reinforcements for a playoff push. One assistant coach from an area of reported interest doesn’t mind maintaining his current group.

Trade chatter frequently linked the Patriots to edge rushers before Tuesday’s deadline. New England traded linebacker Keion White but didn’t acquire any extra depth at the position.

Outside linebackers coach Mike Smith addressed the deadline outcome, per MassLive’s Mark Daniels. He’s confident in the current group led by Harold Landry II and K’Lavon Chaisson, and he also believes Anfernee Jennings and undrafted rookie Elijah Ponder can contribute down the stretch.

“I like it. We’ve got a mix of young guys and older guys,” Smith said. “I think Harold and KC are playing well. I think there are things we can get better on. I like where Ponder is, and I like the things that Ant can bring in as well. Ant’s got a specific skill based with his power and setting things off with his power. I love the way he sets the edge with the run. It’s just a good mixture of guys. They’ve been here with me since we got here.”

The Patriots watched as the Miami Dolphins traded Jaelan Phillips to the Philadelphia Eagles for a third-round pick and the Tennessee Titans sent Dre’Mont Jones to the Baltimore Ravens for a conditional fifth-rounder. Other prominent pass rushers such as Trey Hendrickson, Kayvon Thibodeaux and Jermaine Johnson stayed put despite trade speculation.

New England will stick with a unit that ranks 19th in sacks and 22nd in pass rush win rate entering a Week 10 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Smith’s unit also must replace White, who played 40 percent of the defense’s snaps in his five games.

That could mean reps for Ponder, Jennings and fifth-round pick Bradyn Swinson, who has yet to make his NFL debut.

“It creates a lot of opportunities with Keion leaving,” Smith said. “… It opens the door. Anytime somebody’s leaving, it opens the door for Ponder and Ant, and all those guys, Swinson. But it’s big. It’s more reps and more opportunities.”