Michael Bennett effusive in his praise of current, former Patriots

Speaking to reporters after his first day at the Patriots’ mandatory minicamp, Michael Bennett spoke glowingly of current and former teammates.

Defensive end Michael Bennett, who was acquired by New England in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles at the start of free agency, had rave reviews for his new club after finishing up the first day of the Patriots‘ mandatory minicamp.

“Everything is good,” Bennett told reporters, courtesy of WEEI.com. “Got great coaches, great players around. Definitely high standards out here. That’s what I’m used to as far as teams. It’s good to be out here and the opportunity to play with so many great players on defense as far as [Dont’a] Hightower and just everybody is just really good.”

Bennett’s right – he has had the luxury of playing on a number of winning squads over the course of his career. He made a name for himself with the Seattle Seahawks while Pete Carroll’s team was redefining defensive excellence in the NFL; he also spent a year on a playoff-caliber Philadelphia Eagles team as well.

What makes New England any different from those franchises, however? According to Bennett, it starts with some of the defensive greats of yesteryear who donned the Patriots uniform:

"“I used to love watching Richard Seymour, Ty Warren – just so many great players here. I just liked watching them. The opportunity to get a chance to play here, follow those guys, it’s just amazing. There’s always been a lot of great d-linemen whether it were Vince [Wilfork]… Those guys were really good – whether it was Andre Carter, whether it was Willie McGinest. Just a lot of good defenders out here – Tedy Bruschi, Ty Law. The list just goes on. Growing up, Richard Seymour was one of my favorite players. To think that I get to walk in the locker room where he played in, to think I get to sit in the same place, it’s just an honor for me to even think about that.”"

Perhaps one quote above all the others sums up Bennett’s attitude best: “I’m just happy to be here.” He admitted that while he was initially surprised to learn the Eagles traded him to the Patriots, he’s pleased now with his new club, his new surroundings, and his new teammates.

Indeed, Bennett sounded like an inspired player ready to prove his worth… which is encouraging, considering the Patriots will need every ounce of effort he can give them as a pass-rusher coming off the edge this season. The team notably lost Trey Flowers in free agency, who had previously led the team in sacks the last two seasons.