The New England Patriots are heading into Week 8 as one of the NFL's hottest teams, having won four straight outings. The Patriots’ defense has been terrific throughout their heater, holding their opponents to just 16.3 points and 220.3 passing yards per game.
New offseason additions Harold Landry III, Milton Williams, and K’Lavon Chaisson have been key contributors to the team’s turnaround and have played a crucial role in the defense’s success. Despite the Pats' improved play, defensive tackle Christian Barmore, who was expected to dominate alongside Williams, has underperformed through the first seven games, leaving concerns about his outlook.
Christian Barmore Isn't Meeting Patriots' Expectations
Barmore has had a quiet start to the season, posting 12 total tackles and four quarterback hits. His 65.2 Pro Football Focus grade ranks 41st out of 124th defensive interior linemen, whereas his 74.2 pass rush grade ranks 19th.
While he’s been spectacular in generating pressure, ranking fifth among defensive interior linemen in hurries (17), he hasn’t returned to his All-Pro potential that he showcased in 2023. Barmore took a big leap that season, finishing with 64 total tackles, 13 tackles for loss, eight and a half sacks, and 16 quarterback hits. The Patriots rewarded his exceptional play by signing him to a four-year, $84 million extension, which at the time made him the highest-paid player in Patriots history not named Tom Brady.
Patriots fans were anticipating another extraordinary season from Barmore in 2024; however, a blood clot diagnosis sidelined him for most of the season. This health scare is likely the major reason behind Barmore’s slow start, and his performance hasn't fully recovered.
Even though he hasn’t put up the numbers Patriots fans expected, Barmore is still a big factor in the defense. He continues to generate pressure on the inside, forcing opposing offenses to account for him. Barmore’s presence in the interior has freed up Landry and Chaisson on the edge, helping the Patriots rank ninth in sacks (18).
Barmore still has time to turn things around, and the level of concern around his underperformance shouldn’t be overblown. Barmore’s breakout game could happen this Sunday against the Cleveland Browns, who rank 22nd in sacks allowed (19) and 30th in passing yards per game (178.1).
However, if he’s unable to string together a few good games in the upcoming weeks, the Patriots will have to consider adding defensive line help before the Nov. 4 trade deadline.