The New England Patriots got back on track in Week 2, winning a hard-fought game on the road against divisional rival Miami Dolphins 33-27, improving to 1-1 on the season. While the defense was far from perfect today, they came up big with Milton Williams picking up the game-winning sack on 4th down. Williams was one of many new additions on the defensive side of the ball in free agency. One of the other new additions on defense is currently exceeding expectations through the first two weeks of the season.
Harold Landry Exceeding Expectations Through 2 Games
After spending the first seven seasons of his career with the Tennessee Titans, Harold Landry signed a three-year deal with the Patriots in free agency, reuniting with his former head coach, Mike Vrabel. Landry developed into a formidable pass rusher during his time, reaching double-digit sack totals in both the 2021 and 2023 seasons.
Landry's signing with the Patriots was also a small homecoming for him, as he spent his college career playing for Boston College. It was during his junior season when Landry broke out with 16.5 sacks, finishing with the most in all of college football. While Landry saw his production dip in his final season with the Titans, he is looking better than he did last season so far through the first 2 games.
During the team's opening game against the Las Vegas Raiders, which the Patriots lost 20-13, he was one of the better defenders for the team as he totaled five tackles and 2.5 sacks in his debut performance. In the following game against the Dolphins, Landry had three tackles on the day and a crucial sack that would lead to Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa throwing an interception to Marte Mapu on the next play.
While Landry is off to a great start, he needs to continue to play this way, given how important he's been to the team's pass rush.
With the Patriots' secondary still having some questions, getting to the QB is more important now to prevent the other team from having all day to throw. Going into Week 3, the Patriots return home to host the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, Sept. 21. The Steelers are also 1-1 after losing in Week 2 to the Seattle Seahawks 31-17.