Former New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick chose Patriots defensive standout Keion White, who was nominated by Chris Long, as Inside the NFL’s “Football Guy” of Week 1.
Belichick selected White out of Georgia Tech in the second round of the 2023 NFL draft. White was tabbed as a potential 2024 breakout player throughout the offseason, and so far, he’s made good on those assumptions with a game-wrecking performance in the season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals.
He finished the game with four tackles and 2.5 sacks to knock off the Joe Burrow-led Bengals team on their home field at Paycor Stadium.
“I’ve got to give it to Keion White,” said Belichick. “That kid, first of all, I love Keion White. He can play outside. He can play inside. He’s tough, strong, can really play the run, play the pass. He just needs a little bit more experience and technique.”
Definitely no Patriots' bias here 👀
Chris Long's nominee Keion gets Bill Belichick nod after his performance against the Bengals in Week 1. pic.twitter.com/9cfOTtLFHH
— Inside the NFL (@insidetheNFL) September 14, 2024
White lined up both outside and inside against the Bengals’ offensive front. One would think the Patriots will employ a similar strategy in Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks.
A 2.5-sack performance signals a monster season for the second-year defender.
