"Top linebackers like tackling machine, Robert Spillane, who'd averaged more than 150 tackles the previous two seasons, and the emerging linebacker, Christian Elliss, missed tackles all over the yard in the first few games. They looked like they had goose grease on their hands as they missed tackle after tackle, helping to lose to the Raiders and Pittsburgh in two eminently winnable games."
"After putting aside that sloppy habit during their 10-game win streak, back it came against the Bills, and it was costly. They had 10 missed tackles against Buffalo, and if you're facing a quarterback like Josh Allen, you've sealed your fate. After seeing his team surrender 21 unanswered points, Allen and company roared back and proceeded to take the Patriots to the metaphorical cleaners. It was a devastating loss and an embarrassment to Head Coach Mike Vrabel, his staff, and the team."
Early in 2025, New England's defense habitually missed tackles across the field, contributing to a 1-2 start under Mike Vrabel. Top linebackers Robert Spillane and Christian Elliss struggled with open-field tackles, enabling losses to the Raiders and Pittsburgh. The missed-tackle problem reappeared against Buffalo, with ten missed tackles and 21 unanswered points surrendered before Josh Allen's comeback. Spillane missed the Bills game with an injury; his replacements failed to replicate his tackling production. Spillane later rebounded to lead the team with 97 tackles. PFF recorded ten missed tackles against Buffalo, the most since twelve versus Pittsburgh on Sept. 21.
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