Barmore Paving the Way
Christian Barmore had an excellent Week 11 performance against the Atlanta Falcons.
Interior Defensive Tackles that can rush the passer are in high demand in the NFL. Teams can’t do anything offensively when the play is busted quickly up the middle. Outside Pass Rushers may get the headlines and the accolades, but an elite interior pass rusher can cause much more damage than outside. Christian Barmore, the New England Patriots 2021 2nd round draft selection, fell in the draft due to concerns about his makeup, even though he had first round talent. The Patriots took a chance on the large Defensive Tackle- he is listed at 6-4 310 lbs.- and he has emerged as a force on the inside. Barmore’s production may not always show up in the stat sheet, but he has been one of the Patriots most effective defensive players 11 weeks into the 2021 NFL season.
Christian Barmore is a mauler up the middle against opposing centers, who have more to worry about than just snapping the ball. Matt Hennessey stood no chance against Barmore throughout the Week 11 matchup against the Falcons, as the DT was often in the backfield and in Matt Ryan’s face the entire game. He utilizes his frame with his power to bully opposing interior offensive lineman into the Quarterback. Geno Atkins and Aaron Donald are two of the best interior pass rushers and there are flashes of both superstars in the young Barmore.
The game included a strong defensive effort from the Patriots, who shut out the Falcons. J.C. Jackson, or “Mr. Int”, continues to rack up interceptions in bunches, hence the nickname dubbed by James White. Offensively, the team had some notable rushing performances from Rhamondre Stevenson (12 carries for 69 yards) and Damien Harris (10 carries for 56 yards). Mac Jones wasn’t perfect but didn’t need to be and was good enough to throw a touchdown to Nelson Agholor along with a poorly thrown interception. It’s hard not to like this Patriots team after they amassed five straight victories and played competitive games all throughout the year.
The Patriots have a tough stretch ahead of them, with a Derrick Henry-less Titans team, Buffalo twice in four weeks, and the Colts, who have yet to really establish themselves. A 2-2 stretch going forward would help the Patriots, especially if both wins come against Buffalo. The team could very well challenge the Bills for a divisional title, but the offense needs to produce efficiently through the air and on the ground. This Patriots team is a fun one and is a step up from the middling 2020-21 Patriots team.
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