The New England Patriots didn't have one of their most impactful defensive players for much of the 2024 National Football League season.
Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore missed much of the 2024 season due to issues with blood clots. That's a scary thing to deal with, but Barmore was able to eventually get back on the field and appear in games.
Barmore looked like a rising superstar heading into 2024 after logging 8 1/2 sacks in 2023. The 2024 campaign was taken from him for the most part, but he seems to be trending in the right direction. Now, opposing teams are going to have to find a way to block him along with Milton Williams. That must be terrifying for defensive coordinators.
It should be a good year for the 25-year-old and Pro Football Focus' Dalton Wasserman listed him as the Patriots' biggest "bounce-back" candidate.
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"New England Patriots: DI Christian Barmore," Wasserman said. "Barmore appeared to be a rising star in 2023 after posting an 84.9 pass rush grade. Unfortunately, he missed most of last season due to blood clot issues, appearing in only four games. By all accounts, he should be cleared to play by Week 1 this season and could form a dynamic defensive tackle duo with Milton Williams, who led the position in pass-rush grade last season. For a team that ranked 30th in interior pass rush grade last season, New England is in a very good spot up front, especially if Barmore plays like he did in 2023."
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