"The Patriots' defense was lauded as the better part of the team's roster going into the 2025 regular season, which was no different than the general assumption over the last few years. And based on the free agent additions the new regime made earlier this year, it seemed like a fair projection, yet it hasn't exactly lived up to the hype so far."
"The biggest questions continue to stem from the secondary and the linebackers, but the absence of Christian Gonzalez can at least explain the problems with the cornerbacks. The linebackers, however, are a considerable mess, especially since Robert Spillane has become more of a liability on the field than the help he was supposed to be. Fortunately, the defensive line and pass rush have been significantly better than anyone could have imagined."
"The duo has produced the highest quarterback pressure rates in the league through the first two games, with Williams in first and Barmore in third. NFL Next Gen Stats: Interior defensive linemen with highest QB pressure rates through 2 weeks -1.Milton Williams - 16.7% (#Patriots)2.Javon Hargrave - 16.3% (#Vikings)3.Christian Barmore - 15.8% (#Patriots) pic.twitter.com/gr0oQ8HACY- Pats-Planet.com 🪐 (@patsplanetmedia) September 16, 2025"
The Patriots entered 2025 with defensive expectations higher than recent years, though early results have been uneven. Cornerback play has suffered in part due to the absence of Christian Gonzalez. The linebacker group has struggled, with Robert Spillane trending toward being a liability rather than an asset. The defensive line and interior pass rush have emerged as a major strength, anchored by Christian Barmore and Milton Williams. That duo currently ranks among the league leaders in quarterback pressure rate through two games, a surprising development after previous pass-rush declines following Matthew Judon's departure.
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