Pete Carroll praises play of defensive lineman Michael Bennett

When the Seattle Seahawks signed 27-year-old Michael Bennett this offseason, they knew they’d be getting a good defensive lineman for a reasonable price (one-year, $4.8 million). What they probably couldn’t have predicted, though, was just how good Bennett would be. In the first three games of the 2013 season, Bennett has already accumulated 2.5 sacks, seven tackles, and six QB pressures, and the former Tampa Bay Buccaneer has head coach Pete Carroll raving.

Here’s what Carroll had to say about Bennett following Seattle’s 45-17 demolishing of the Jacksonville Jaguars:

"He’s more than we thought he was. He is a relentless football player. He’s going to get everything out of every play. The intensity he brings, we’ve been surprised by that. That’s a great asset. I thought we were getting a good, active pass-rusher. He had shown versatility to play inside and outside, but I didn’t appreciate how constant he is effort-wise. I didn’t have that sense about him watching him on film (ESPN)."

Bennett’s ability to get into the backfield is one of the big reasons why the Seahawks lead the NFL is passing yards allowed per game (146.7) and are 12th in rushing yards allowed per game (95.0)

The unbeaten Seahawks will take on the 2-1 Houston Texans in what should be an excellent game this upcoming Sunday. The contest will begin at 1:00 p.m. ET and can be seen on Fox.

[Source: ESPN]