The Patriots need to find a replacement for Ja'Whaun Bentley, which should be insanely difficult considering all the different hats he wears.
Bentley is expected to miss the remainder of the regular season after suffering a torn pectoral muscle in Sunday's loss to the Seattle Seahawks. New England isn't just losing a starter at the second level, though, as the 28-year-old also serves as its leading tackler, primary defensive communicator and the second longest-tenured captain on the team.
Do we really expect New England to entrust one man with stepping into those shoes?
Yes, and his name is Kyle Dugger.
Dugger might be a curious choice to many, but it wouldn't be all that surprising to see the Patriots expand his role to include more time in the box. Yes, we know he's a safety, but Sunday already provided a pretty decent example of how his versatility could allow him to take on most of the primary responsibilities left by Bentley.
"The communication was good, and it was Dugger," Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo revealed Monday, per team-provided transcript. "Dugger did it all last year, as well, so it wasn't anything new for him. I've always been a huge believer in a linebacker having the green dot, but I'll tell you, the way Dugger played (Sunday) as a whole and being able to handle the communication, he definitely filled in for that role."
Dugger's role immediately changed in the absence of Bentley, as he was given the green dot to pass along defensive signals. New England did have a defensive blunder that led to a wide-open DK Metcalf touchdown in the first quarter, and Dugger did shoulder the blame for it, but that came before Bentley exited the game.
Dugger primarily stayed in the box in obvious passing situations, with Jahlani Tavai shifting inside after spending the majority of the first couple weeks on the edge. Raekwon McMillan got some run on early downs, but Dugger was the only one of those three players who stayed on the field for every snap.
The Patriots would be smart to lean into the 28-year-old's versatility, as it allows for the smallest disruption of any possible maneuvering that has to happen. Jabrill Peppers isn't ever leaving the field, much like Dugger, so shifting him over only allows for more creativity in the secondary. Jaylinn Hawkins and Marcus Jones are primary candidates to play more, while early downs will see McMillan and possibly Christian Elliss get some opportunities.
New England's overall versatility and depth allow for some creativity in the absence of Bentley. Marte Mapu (safety) and Sione Takitaki (linebacker) are on their way back, which allows for even more. Dugger is the only player who can hold things down for now, though, and it would be silly to expect that he does anything less.
