After two straight 4-13 seasons, the New England Patriots are now one game away from returning to the Super Bowl. Many changes were made after last season, which started with the firing of head coach Jerod Mayo and eventually led to Mike Vrabel as head coach. That move has paid off big time, especially because of Vrabel's ability to get the best effort out of his players.
Since taking over the team, Vrabel has been able to get career years out of plenty of players, ranging from quarterback Drake Maye to defensive back Marcus Jones. That list also includes second-year defensive tackle Leonard Taylor, who's been a stud off the practice squad.
Although he was quiet after his arrival, Taylor's performance only improved as the season continued, making it clear that his former team — the New York Jets — made a huge mistake when they waived him in October.
Leonard Taylor's Promotion Is Paying Off for the Patriots
When the NFL season began, Taylor started with the Jets, playing in two games for them. He recorded just two solo tackles before the Jets waived him, with Taylor joining the Patriots' practice squad in mid-October.
Taylor would only play in three regular-season games, but managed to rack up three solo tackles and a QB hit. His impact has extended beyond that by being a top-six interior defensive lineman in pressures and pass rush win rates since Week 17, per Patriots CLNS reporter Taylor Kyles.
Getting late help from Taylor has been much needed with Harold Landry's health up in the air. Taylor can help stabilize the Patriots' defensive line that will help determine if they can win the Super Bowl.
New England has also gotten contributions from fellow defensive lineman Cory Durden, another waiver redemption story. Finding Durden and Taylor on the waiver wire and getting quality play from them demonstrates the Patriots' ability to identify talent, as well as Vrabel's reputation for playing to his players' strengths.
Taylor has, no doubt, exceeded expectations since leaving the Jets, and only time will tell what role he'll play against the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship Game. Although the former Miami (FL) defender won't win the game for New England on his own, continuing his recent momentum will make it a lot easier for the Pats to punch their Super Bowl ticket.