New England Patriots Gameday: Time for Christian Barmore to erupt
Following an impressive rookie season, New England Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore was poised for a dominant Year 2 in the NFL. So far, it has been hard to notice him on the field.
That doesn’t mean he is not making an impact, but with the Patriots defense struggling against the run, a force like Barmore needs to step up and be more of a presence along the defensive line. Not just in the run game, but he needs to be that unblockable force up the middle that makes opposing quarterbacks see fear.
With just one sack so far this season, the 6-foot-5, 310-pound dominance Barmore displayed during his rookie season really hasn’t shown up yet. On Sunday against a high-powered Detroit Lions offense would be a good time for the second-year defensive lineman to make his presence known on the field other than just getting double-teamed.
Despite the number, Christian Barmore still making an impact along the New England Patriots defensive line
Speaking of double-teamed, veteran edge rusher Matt Judon says he is seeing the impact of Barmore because it is freeing up other defenders to make plays, particularly himself and defensive end Deatrich Wise jr who have both been consistent forces off the edge.
"“It frees us up, gives us the inside and outside,” Judon said, “He don’t get the production, but you can always see him causing havoc.”"
Perhaps it is the lack of production in terms of numbers that has made Barmore seem quiet this season, but even during his rookie season, the numbers weren’t there, yet you always saw the Alabama product pushing offensive lineman around and putting pressure on the quarterback up the middle.
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With Lawrence Guy out, Barmore must really be a force against the run alongside Davon Godchaux. Going up against a physical Lions offensive line, the defensive front has to hold their own and it does start with Barmore who said before the season that he is more comfortable and getting better each week.
"“I’m way more comfortable now than how I was last year,” Barmore said during training camp. “More faster and literally learning more faster, so I’m literally getting better every day, so I’m trying to get better more today and then get better tomorrow.”"
To quote the young New England Patriots defensive interior lineman, he “literally” needs to be a force in a must win game against the Lions at Gillette Stadium on Sunday. They not only need his physical presence to battle back against that Lions offensive line, but they also need that attitude he displayed during his rookie season.
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Double-teamed, triple-teamed or whatever, disrupt that Lions’ offense in any way possible. But that force against the run and in the passing game we know you can be.
It’s gameday.