Patriots Spotlight: Barmore Looks to Pressure Bengals

Joseph McLaughlin
6 days ago
2 min read

Photo Credit: Maddie Meyer/Getty Images.

After the New England Patriots defeated the New York Jets 27-14 on November 13, the team has enjoyed a mini-bye week of sorts. Players and coaches took the ensuing three days off to either recharge or spend time with friends and family after the win.

Then came the beginning of the week and the Pats’ next task at hand: defeating the Cincinnati Bengals. As former Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick once said, ‘We’re on to Cincinnati,’ and the current Patriots share the same mindset. After all, they aim to extend their winning streak to nine games and maintain their lead over the Buffalo Bills, who fell to the Texans on Thursday.

There are many ways the Patriots can win Sunday’s game, but one element of the game that will be watched closely is the defensive pass rush. Milton Williams’ absence this weekend will be felt, but it should not cause armageddon as the Patriots have depth in that department.

Enter Christian Barmore.

Barmore has 31 pressures on the season with nine combined tackles, eight assisted tackles, and one sack recorded against the Jets a week ago. A good performance against the Jets is a good sign for the Patriots moving forward, especially with the needs at the position.

“The train keeps on rolling, that’s how it works in this league,” said Patriots Head Coach Mike Vrabel to Scott Zolak in an exclusive interview. “We’re gonna miss him (Williams) for a couple of games. We’ll have to have some guys step up, that’s how this thing goes.”

Barmore will be a crucial piece in the Patriots’ pass rush against the Bengals’ offensive line, which in recent years has struggled to contain the blitz. Whether it is Joe Flacco or Joe Burrow under center, New England wants to make Cincinnati’s quarterback uncomfortable.

Expect Barmore to have a big day since getting to the quarterback will be the number one priority this weekend. Once the defense does that, that opens the door for New England’s red-hot offense to move downfield against Cincinnati’s defense, which has given up the most touchdowns in the league.