FOXBOROUGH - The Patriots pass rush was pretty high on the list of problems plaguing the team last season.
That’s because they didn’t have one.
Quarterbacks were barely touched or threatened, as the Patriots generated the fewest sacks (28) of any NFL team last season.
Mike Vrabel & the defensive coaches are hoping the arrival of Harold Landry, Milton Williams, Khyiris Tonga, K’Lavon Chaisson, along with the anticipated emergence of Keion White, will allow the Patriots to do a better job getting to the quarterback this season.
Based on Tuesday’s practice, and many practices before, they appear to be on the right track.
Drake Maye was theoretically sacked seven times on his first 18 dropbacks. Given the difficulties the Patriots offensive line continues to have, however, it’s tough to use that as a legitimate gauge.
Not every opposing line will be as suspect as the Patriots. So it’s hard to know for sure just how good the revamped front will be.
All of which begs the question: Could the Patriots use a 30-year-old 4-time Pro Bowl edge rusher who’s notched 17.5 sacks in each of the last two seasons?
Bengals star Trey Hendrickson is involved in a contract dispute with his team, and has refused to practice until the situation is resolved.
He’s one of several elite NFL players - Terry McLaurin and Micah Parsons the others - who are entrenched in contract battles with their respective teams.
When it comes to the Patriots, and trying to work a trade for Hendrickson, it boils down to whether they feel they have enough in-house to properly harass opposing quarterbacks from week to week, or if they deem it necessary to acquire more help to accomplish the mission.
Basically, they have a stable of good, to potentially very good pass rushers.
They don’t, however, have an elite rusher who instantly draws added attention.
They can probably make do, get by with what they have, and improve on their woeful sack totals from last year.
It’s fairly similar to the situation with the wide receivers. That’s another place where the Patriots are stocked with good, but not great, talent.
Adding an elite player at either position - receiver or edge rusher - would make a significant difference.
Defensively, landing Hendrickson would make all of the other rushers up front better given the attention he would draw. That was the impact Matthew Judon had his first two years with the Patriots.
Given his age - Hendrickson turns 31 in December - price tag, and the fact the Patriots are in a rebuild and aren’t a pass rusher away from contending, it seems doubtful they’ll go to that well.
Speaking with Patriots defensive coordinator Terrell Williams on Tuesday, he was naturally stoked by the players he has to do the job.
He’s not going to openly lobby for the Patriots to trade for an All-Pro sack king.
Instead, Williams couldn’t say enough about the players he has in-house, namey Landry, Chaisson, and Keion White.
“He looks like a guy that’s got something to prove. That’s what I like about Harold,” Williams said of Landry. “I’ve always loved him. We drafted him out of Boston College in 2018. And he had some great years for us in Tennessee. But right now, I see a more mature player that understands now in year eight what his role is and what he wants to be. I’m excited to have him here.
“He’s been a good player. He’s elevating himself right now.”
After Landry, Chaisson has been arguably the best rusher in camp while White flashed early, but has been quiet of late.
The coaches, however, are expecting great things from the third-year player after a little more development.
Outside linebackers coach Mike Smith says White is one of the “smartest kids” he’s ever had in his room.
“He’s got a ways to go ... I shouldn’t say a ways. He’s got some learning still to do,” Smith said, “but, that kid, when it all comes together, watch out.”
Milton Williams, Christian Barmore and Tonga will provide the push in the middle, with Landry, Chaisson and White coming in off the edge.
The Patriots first-year defensive coordinator conveyed a confidence that he’d be able to generate enough pressure with the players he has.
“My expectations is, we’re going to find ways to get to the quarterback. You can do it by scheme, you can do it by player. We just gotta figure out what’s going to work for us,” Williams said. “The pass rush changes every week depending on who you’re going against. So we’ll find ways to get to the quarterback. We’ll be OK.”
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