The New England Patriots’ defense hopes for a better outcome in 2025 after a shaky performance from their interior defensive line in 2024. New England struggled to stop the run and rush the passer last year, allowing the tenth-most rushing yards and having the fewest sacks. The Patriots hope to have more success at stopping the run and rushing the passer after landing talented run-stopper Khyiris Tonga and up-and-coming pass rusher Milton Williams.
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The defense could also benefit from their star defensive tackle being healthy.
The New England Patriots’ star DT missed 13 games due to health issues
Christian Barmore missed the first ten games of the 2024 season after being diagnosed with blood clots in late July. He returned in Week 11 and recorded six tackles, one TFL, one QB hit, and one sack in four games and 123 defensive snaps. Unfortunately, the Patriots placed Barmore on the season-ending non-football illness list in Week 16 after recurring symptoms stemming from his blood clots.
New England Patriots eye return for star defender
During the annual NFL League Meetings, Mike Vrabel told the media that Christian Barmore was feeling better and that he had met with doctors the other day. Vrabel went on to say that while they continue to evaluate him and his health, Barmore is expected to participate in their voluntary offseason program, which begins on April 7. Here’s what the head coach had to say about their star defensive tackle’s recovery.
“He popped in the other day to see the doctors. When he walked into the training room, just his energy and presence, so I know that he’s feeling better,” Vrabel told reporters at the NFL annual meeting.
“We’ll continue to evaluate him. It’s something very serious. We take the health of our players extremely serious, especially when you’re talking about something like blood clots, and we’re going to have a great plan for him.”
