New England Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore reacts after sacking Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson during Sunday night’s game in Denver. David Zalubowski/Associated Press
The New England Patriots have been criticized for not having many – if any – game-changing players.
But on defense, one player has certainly emerged The way he’s played lately, Christian Barmore checks all the boxes.
The third-year defensive tackle is having a breakout season, and his performance Sunday night against the Denver Broncos illustrated how much of a force and difference-maker he has become.
The 2021 second-round pick sacked Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson three times – all in the third quarter – seven tackles (two for loss) and numerous quarterback pressures during a 26-23 victory.
Patriots Coach Bill Belichick, linebackers coach Jerod Mayo and defensive line coach DeMarcus Covington are among those singing the praises of the interior lineman who extended his team lead in sacks to 8.5, which is four more than anyone else on the team.
“He’s had a good year,” Belichick said of Barmore on WEEI’s “The Greg Hill Show.” “He’s an explosive player, long. He’s got good power. He’s got good initial quickness. A couple of those rushes, he won immediately at the line of scrimmage and uses his power there.”
According to Pro Football Focus, Barmore grades out as eighth in the league as a defensive player, sixth in pass rushing, 13th in total pressures, fifth in sacks, 10th in defensive stops and second in batted passes.
“It’s really hard to sack Wilson,” Belichick said. “He’s a pretty elusive guy. So being able to finish on the quarterback was really, really good.
“Christian’s done a good job of that. Not just getting by the blocker. It’s actually getting the quarterback, especially a guy like (Wilson) or last week (Patrick) Mahomes or this week Josh Allen. Those guys – even if you get free, they’re still hard to get. He’s done a good job on that.”
Mayo discussed what having someone playing as well as Barmore does for the front seven.
“It’s huge. Any time you can make backs stop their feet behind the line of scrimmage is always a benefit,” Mayo said. “And if you can get after the quarterback in passing situations it helps the coverage … having a guy like Barmore, especially playing at the level he’s playing at right now, is definitely a huge benefit for the success of our defense.”
Mayo said he wasn’t necessarily surprised at how well Barmore has come on recently, and how impactful he’s been.
“He’s matured since being here. He works hard. He’s doing the extra stuff,” Mayo said. “He’s doing the little things and that’s starting to show up and pay dividends. He definitely has a bright future, and hopefully he can keep it rolling.”
Added Covington: “Every year he’s been getting better, growing on the field, off the field. I’m proud of the way he’s worked. Consistency, for him, and that’s what he’s been doing. He’s been doing a good job, and it started this offseason with him working, rehabbing and doing a lot of things to get his body right, in the classroom and really taking those things and taking it to the grass.”
THE PATRIOTS’ secondary took another hit at Wednesday’s practice.
With Jabrill Peppers (hamstring) still on the shelf, Jalen Mills was a non-participant during a walkthrough in New England’s bubble.
Mills, a veteran defensive back, was present but not in uniform, sitting on a bench and tossing a football to himself during the media portion of practice.
In Denver, Mills played a season-high 62 defensive snaps (90%), but left late in the game with a head injury.
If he isn’t ready to go in Buffalo this weekend, the Patriots may need a third-string safety – rookie Marte Mapu or Adrian Phillips – to step up in his place.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Patriots were also missing Rhamondre Stevenson (ankle) and Trent Brown (ankle/hand).
Stevenson hasn’t practiced since spraining his ankle against the Chargers, while Brown’s playing time has become head-scratching.
The veteran tackle didn’t start against the Broncos nor did he play in crunch time, when the Patriots would conceivably want their best group on the field, but was healthy enough to take some snaps in the middle of the game.
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