The Patriots made legitimate improvements along their defensive line this offseason when they signed defensive tackle Milton Williams to pair with Christian Barmore. And it might not be long before the tandem proves worthy of such investment with the Raiders traveling to Gillette Stadium on Sunday.
According to Pro Football Focus, the Las Vegas grouping ranks 18th out of 32 teams entering the season.
David Andrews, the former Patriots center and current co-host of The Quick Snap Podcast, believes it could mean a big day for New England’s defensive front. Specifically, Patriots outside linebacker Harold Landry III, who could be the one to make the play on the stat sheet.
“You’re going to play a good one every week, one good D-lineman every week,” Andrews said. “But when you’re playing against a guy like Milton Williams and Christian Barmore, who can both be game wreckers in my opinion, how do you slide your protection? How do you take care of that?”
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Landry could make life very difficult for Raiders quarterback Geno Smith given his veteran savvy on the edge. Landry had 19.5 sacks in his last two seasons with the Tennessee Titans.
He’s been a key contributor during training camp, and is expected to start opposite of K’Lavon Chaisson with Keion White and others providing depth. All in all, there could be three new starters up front for first-year defensive coordinator Terrell Williams.
“Where (defensive ends) make their money, in my opinion, is when the quarterback can’t go up in the pocket,” Andrews said. “So, if those guys (Williams, Barmore) inside can get push and wreck havoc then that allows guys like Harold Landry to have a field day on the edge.”
Andrews, fellow co-host Brian Hoyer and special guest Julian Edelman dove into a number of topics on The Quick Snap, including:
- Overall thoughts on the new Mike Vrabel era
- Hopes and expectations for Drake Maye in his second year
- What it means for Edelman to be inducted into the team Hall of Fame
- Edelman reflects on his favorite game as a Patriot
- Edelman’s thoughts on the new era of Patriots football
- NFL season predictions
