Is the defensive line for real?
Jul 30, 2022; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots defensive end Christian Barmore (90) after a drill at the Patriots training camp at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
Maybe the Patriots’ offensive line is struggling in this new zone system to block the run, or maybe the defensive line is just playing at an incredibly high level. The true reasoning is really somewhere in the middle, but the group up front deserves some credit for what they’ve done so far.
Second year defensive tackle Christian Barmore has arguably been the most impressive player on the field in Foxborough since the pads came on. Between team drills and his one-on-one reps, it’s clear any attempts to neutralize him with a single blocker in the passing game simply won’t work. At the same time, he’s looked improved against the run with the question looming of whether or not he can be a three-down player this year.
Further down the depth chart, the two UDFA defensive linemen continue to impress. LaBrayan Ray had another pressure today after picking up a ‘sack’ in each of the first two padded practices. DaMarcus Mitchell showed some advanced moves from his toolbox during one-on-ones, with his spin move particularly standing out.
