Is pursuit of DE Michael Bennett the right move?
By @BearsSTH
Jan 11, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett (72) tackles New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) during the second half of the 2013 NFC divisional playoff football game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
The Bears are said to make a play for defensive end Michael Bennett, Martellus’ older brother. The elder Bennett had 9.0 sacks in 2012 with the Buccaneers and last season had 8.5 sacks, nine tackles for loss and a career-high 26 quarterback with the Seahawks.
Just to play devil’s advocate, 8.5 sacks aren’t exactly elite level and 26 quarterback hits means he’s not getting to the quarterback soon enough. Let’s also remember the Seahawks have a deep and talented defensive live and the Buccaneers have Gerald McCoy. By comparison, Julius Peppers had seven sacks last season with a depleted offensive line.
If anything, Bennett is six years younger than Peppers and has yet to reach his potential. What ever Phil Emery decides, we all know it will be better than what the Bears had last season. If the Bears don’t sign Bennett, there is Bengals’ Michael Johnson and Raiders’ Lamar Houston both a step down from Bennett.