“It’s a clinic rep. It’s a teaching rep. We’ll be here next spring when we want to talk about this technique, and this piece is one that illustrates that,” Wilkins said. “When we throw an attack on him and he’s at the point of attack, whether it’s a tight end, a tackle, a shooter, a flashing tight end. When he’s at the point of attack, you’re going to get a strip representatives.”
“Sometimes I’m not able to play the game. I just have to do my job. Overall, just good running fundamentals and good overall defense,” Jennings explained.
Although he is at his best in the running game, Jennings is also improving as a passer. Over the past few months, the Patriots have traded away two of their best passers. First, the team acquired a 2025 third-round pick from Atlanta for star passer Matthew Judon. Then the Pats sent pass rusher Joshua Uche to Kansas City for a 2026 sixth-round pick before Tuesday’s trade deadline.
With these moves, Jennings had a few more opportunities to rush into obvious passing situations. Jennings has been on the field for 51 percent of the opponent’s assists, up from 43.2 last season. His usage on third down has also increased, going from a 32.8% usage rate on third down in 2023 to a snap percentage of 40.2% this season. Jennings has also been more productive. He’s on pace for a career-high in pressures this season, recording four last week against the Titans, and has a 7.5% win rate (6.5% in 2023).
“It’s something I’ve always worked on, we’ve always worked on. Just having the opportunity to rush. In the past we’ve had several guys that were able to get to the passer. I’m finally getting the “opportunity, having a chance to go out and rush the passer,” Jennings said.
