“When we looked at Anfernee coming out, that’s a guy that did a lot of good things at Alabama, whether it was playing off the ball, on the ball, at buck, he did a good amount of things for them,” Covington said, “and really that’s how we use him here within our defense where he can do a good amount of things with his athletic ability. …
“He’s done a great job of carving out a role for himself. And again, you see in his performance, his preparation, his work, his day-to-day operation, his routine, you’re being able to see the seeds that he sowed for three years for us. Out there on Sundays or whatever day we play, you’re able to see that. And I’m glad he’s able to see the fruit.”
Jennings said he still meets with the linebackers sometimes.
“I started off here more with the linebackers in Mayo’s room,” Jennings said, “and I kind of try to still keep that relationship and try and go in there and meet sometimes just to let them know I’m still here. I consider myself a hybrid, so I do a little bit of everything and just keeping that alive.”
Jennings was inactive for New England’s first two games this season. But the former Dadeville High School standout has come on to start the Patriots’ past nine contests.
“His ability to take advantage of opportunities, and every year he’s played for us, he’s done hell of a job of just answering the bell every week,” Covington said. “Every week, get better. He’s gotten better every week. He does a really good job and he’s a part of the reason why our run defense has been so successful this year. I’m just excited for him, happy for him because he’s put in so much work. He’s gone a really good job. Whatever we ask him to do, he does it well beyond the task.”
New England has yielded the fewest rushing yards in the AFC, and opposing ball-carriers are averaging an NFL-low 3.2 yards per carry against the Patriots. Jennings has played a part in New England’s stellar statistics with his ability to “set the edge.”
“We hear it a lot,” Jennings said. “It’s a staple in this defense – being able to set the edge. It starts there. You can’t have a good run defense without setting the edge. …
“I feel like I could be a lot better, honestly. But you know I feel like stopping the run is all about attitude and being physical and just dominating your box. I always pride myself on being able to stop the run and being able to get after the quarterback.”
Despite the Patriots’ prowess against the run, New England has a 3-10 record.
“Obviously, the season’s not going as well as we wanted it to go,” Jennings said. “But definitely being out there more and getting more of an opportunity, I kind of gained confidence each and every week and getting more comfortable and just finding a routine and sticking to it and just trying to keep that up.”
New England plays the Kansas City Chiefs at noon CST Sunday at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.