Michael Bennett bullish on Eagles' D-line, social activism

PHILADELPHIA – The Eagles traded for Michael Bennett because of his ability as a pass rusher.

But that's only part of what makes Bennett such an intriguing player for the Eagles. The former Seahawks defensive end has always been outspoken about everything, including football and social issues, and he has always been active in the community.

Bennett said none of that will change with the Eagles. Bennett said Monday at his introductory press conference that he's excited to join a defensive line anchored by Fletcher Cox, Brandon Graham, and promising rookie Derek Barnett.

He went so far to compare the rotation on the Eagles' D-line to the rotation the Golden State Warriors use in basketball to constantly bombard teams.

"I think we can have one of the greatest defensive lines to ever play the game," Bennett said. "I think a great defensive line is about the rotation. It’s kind of like Golden State. They have those guys who can come in and shoot and shoot and score every time."

The Eagles sent reserve wide receiver Marcus Johnson and a fifth-round draft pick to Seattle last Wednesday in return for Bennett and a seventh rounder. Bennett has been selected to the Pro Bowl in each of the past three seasons and had 8.5 sacks in 2017. 

The Eagles also traded for defensive back Daryl Worley, sending wide receiver Torrey Smith to the Carolina Panthers in a straight player exchange. Worley, who grew up in Philadelphia, said he's "ecstatic" about playing for the team he grew up rooting for.

Bennett doesn't have that Philadelphia pedigree, but he already knows about the passionate fan base, and he's looking forward to getting involved in the community.

But Bennett is also 32 years old, and he already knows that he will likely have a lesser role with the Eagles as part of a rotation. Bennett said he's fine with that. He said that will even make him more effective because he can "play savage," meaning that he can go all out on every play that he's on the field for.

And he said the Eagles' scheme is such that he can line up against opposing tight ends more often than top offensive tackles. 

"Honestly, I don’t think there’s a tight end in the NFL that can block me," Bennett said. "I know [Giants quarterback] Eli Manning is probably watching this and thinking, yes, I’m coming.’ And [Cowboys QB] Dak [Prescott] is watching this, like, ‘Yeah, he’s coming.’

"Yeah I am. [Washington quarterback] Alex Smith, he knows he can’t run from me … It’s going to fun to be out here and be able to chase quarterbacks."

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But Bennett is about so much more than that. He has long been outspoken on social issues. He and several Seahawks teammates sat during the national anthem last season. And Bennett was one of the 40 or so players in the Players Coalition, headed by Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins.

Jenkins raised his fist during the national anthem for the 2016 season and last season up until the NFL agreed to earmark nearly $100 million to fund programs in inner cities.

Bennett wouldn't say what he would do this season as far as a protest during the anthem.

"I’m just here to talk about football today, to go out and keep working and doing what I can on and off the field, and keep being a great leader," he said.

But he's very familiar with Jenkins and his work in that regard.

"I talked to Malcolm during [last] season, like once a week, just because we were doing so much stuff together," Bennett said. "I know he’s a man’s man, he’s a very honorable person. He believes in what he believes in. And for me to be part of an organization with people like that, from the team, and committed from the top to the bottom is something I look forward to.

"Me coming to Philly is not also about just winning championships on the field. It’s about being a champion off the field, and being able to work in the community with men and young women all across the city and being able to give back and work with youth channels."

But Bennett still wants to win. He was on the Seahawks when they won the Super Bowl in 2013 and got back to the championship game the next season. This season, the Seahawks seem to be rebuilding, as evidenced by releasing cornerback Richard Sherman. 

Bennett said he has no hard feelings.

"There’s a shelf life and a time for everybody," he said. "You end up just running your course. There’s a time where the organization is going to move forward and try to play young guys … and you want to get value for [the older players].

"This is part of the business … This is a great opportunity. It’s not like I was traded to a bad team." 

Bennett said that was reinforced when he first talked with Eagles executive vice president for football operations Howie Roseman, whom Bennett said told him: “I want to go back [to the Super Bowl]."

"When you hear somebody say something like that, you feel it, and I felt it through the phone," Bennett said. "For me, that’s what it’s really about."

Contact Martin Frank at mfrank@delawareonline.com. Follow on Twitter @Mfranknfl.