"After making several key additions on defense, Vrabel's new group had high expectations but didn't exactly deliver in the season's debut against the Raiders. The thought was that Vrabel had added playmakers at each level of the defense from the defensive line on out to the defensive backfield. Unfortunately, those playmaking expectations were not evident enough. Free agent signee, defensive tackle Milton Williams, the team's highest-paid player, had a solid game with two quarterback hits and a tackle for loss."
"But big plays inside are sacks. Williams had none. The expectations are high, and he'll deliver on them once things get settled. Cornerback Carlton Davis III, also a free agent signee, had a decent game but without plays. He had two passes defended, but that's what cornerbacks are hired to do. Interceptions change games, however, and he didn't land one."
"Harold Landry III was maligned by some media types as an ill-advised signing by Mike Vrabel. He knew better. He coached the former Boston College Eagle for five years in Tennessee. Landry instantly, on signing, became the Patriots' best sack artist. How that wasn't understood is puzzling. He had 50.5 sacks in six seasons in Tennessee previously. Landry immediately justified Vrabel's confidence, notching 2.5 sacks and four quarterback hits in his first game as a Patriot."
Mike Vrabel was hired to run the Patriots' 2025 and beyond football operation with a defensive-first approach. Several key defensive additions were made across the line, linebackers, and secondary with expectations of increased playmaking. The defense underwhelmed in the season opener against the Raiders, with inside pressure and turnovers notably absent. Defensive tackle Milton Williams recorded two quarterback hits and a tackle for loss but no sacks. Cornerback Carlton Davis III had two passes defended but no interceptions. Edge Harold Landry III delivered 2.5 sacks and four quarterback hits, suggesting potential for a double-digit sack season and defensive optimism.
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