Michael Bennett says he’s hitting his prime, and Seahawks’ D-line is only getting better
Jun 17, 2016, 12:53 PM | Updated: 12:55 pm
Michael Bennett takes issue with athletes holding camps in Hawaii that don't give back to the community. (AP)
(AP)
Michael Bennett is no stranger to being double- and sometimes even triple-teamed when he’s on the Seahawks’ defensive line – which is often. Just look at last season, when he was on the field for 81 percent of Seattle’s defensive snaps.
It’s fair to think the versatile 30-year-old defensive end might be getting worn out by all of that playing time and extra attention, but he told 710 ESPN Seattle’s John Clayton that he expects to be just as dependable going forward as he has been in the past three years.
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“Doesn’t seem to be a problem, that’s what I’m trying to get the Seahawks to realize, that I am an asset when it comes to playing this game,” Bennett said of being on the field so much. “I haven’t missed a game in three years. I’m always keeping up with my nutrition. I’m just getting better as I get older. I’m hitting my prime and I want to keep getting better and be one of the best in the league.”
As if Bennett’s relentlessness isn’t enough for opponents to deal with, he believes a pair of teammates are in for big years that will keep the Seahawks fearsome along their entire D-line.
“Jordan Hill is a guy that I think that is gonna get paid a lot of money after the season, he just has to complete the season. If he does that, I think he will benefit from it and as a team will benefit from it because he’s such a great player. When he’s out there, I think we’re a better team. And Frank (Clark) is getting better, too,” said Bennett. “He’s showing me small things. Defensive linemen take three to four years before they just really hit that prime and start really balling, and I think Frank is on that verge of figuring out how to be that great player.”
Clark, a 2015 second-round pick, has been a pick by many to have a breakthrough season, but Bennett said not to sleep on Hill, a 2013 third-round pick who has struggled a bit with injuries in his Seahawks career.
“People talk about (Clark) a lot and I think they should be talking about Jordan just as much,” Bennett said. “If you look at Jordan he’s actually a proven guy, and he’s really been kept under the radar. I think he is really going to surprise everybody like he always does when he gets out there. He’s always making plays, finding a way to make a play.”
Check out the podcast of Bennett’s interview for his thoughts on his brother, tight end Martellus Bennett, moving on to the Patriots from the Bears, including some choice words for Chicago quarterback Jay Cutler, as well as information on his foundation that promotes healthy eating for children.
