Patriots Coach Hints at a Bigger Role for Surprise Standout in Week 7
By Jovan Alford
The New Patriots’ defense did not have a good showing last week against the Houston Texans after allowing 41 points and 368 yards of total offense. However, for all the bad on the Patriots' defense, there were a couple of bright spots the team could hang their head on.
One of those bright spots was the performance of linebacker Christian Elliss. Elliss had four total tackles, a quarterback hit, and a half-sack. He also played a season-high 35 percent of defensive snaps, while contributing 91 percent of special teams snaps.
Elliss’ performance against Houston caught the attention of defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington. Covington met with reporters on Thursday ahead of New England’s Week 7 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars and spoke highly of the 25-year-old linebacker.
According to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, Covington said that Elliss has capitalized on the opportunity to play in passing situations, and is now trending toward more early-down work.
Patriots DC DeMarcus Covington Singles Out Surprise Defender
Defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington says ILB Christian Elliss has capitalized on the opportunity to play in passing situations, and is now trending toward more early-down work as a result of it.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) October 17, 2024
Elliss (6-2, 231) isn’t a bigger thumper; fast and instinctive 3rd-year vet. pic.twitter.com/JmguCVot0m
There hasn’t been much to celebrate on the Patriots’ defense this season, so to see Elliss make a name for himself is good for the team. This season, the third-year linebacker has recorded 13 combined tackles, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and a quarterback hit.
In his limited time on defense this season, Elliss also has a 49.0 pass rating allowed when targeted. The Pats will be looking for Elliss to play a huge role against a Jacksonville Jaguars offense with a solid veteran tight end in Evan Engram.
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