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Michael Bennett
Position: Defensive End
Age: 28
Form
Michael Bennett is a starting defensive end for the defending Super Bowl Champion Seattle Seahawks. He played a major role in Seattle's top ranked defense last year. He started all 16 games and earned a four year contract with the Seahawks for his performance. Bennett began his career with the Seahawks in 2009, as an undrafted free agent. After being waived that same year, he was picked up by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His stats have improved year after year. He became an unrestricted free agent in early 2013 and was again picked up by the Seahawks.
Skills
Bennett has improved every year he's been in the NFL. Last year he played in every game for the top rated Seahawks' defense. He finished the year with 31 tackles, 8.5 sacks, and one forced fumble. He recovered that turnover and ran the ball for a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints. So far this year, Bennett has started three games and has already recorded seven tackles and three sacks.
Potential Against the Redskins
Oh boy, where to start...Bennett has the potential to have the game of his life. The Redskins offensive line is going to have to work harder than it has all season to keep Bennett, as well as the rest of Seattle's line, contained. If he breaks free, it'll be open season on Cousins. While Cousins is not a statue in the pocket, he's nowhere near as mobile as a healthy Robert Griffin. If Bennett can penetrate the backfield, he will be able to wreak havoc. However, nothing is a given. It IS possible to contain the Seattle defense. It IS possible to move the ball against them. They did lose games last year and they have already lost one this season. Bennett has the potential to disrupt the Redskins' game plan. But he can be contained. The Skins' O-line didn't completely collapse under the weight of J.J. Watt, so they should be able to slow down Michael Bennett long enough for Cousins to get a pass off.
Here are some highlights from last year.
Fun Facts: While Marshawn Lynch loves Skittles and Richard Sherman eats Gushers, Michael Bennett prefers Lindt Truffles. Bennett's brother, Martellus, plays for the Chicago Bears. Both brothers played at Texas A&M.