The 2026 Defense - Do No Harm

Real fan 02 · Mar 2, 2026

n1997y said:
Are there any draft candidates that have potential to help with this?

Honestly I haven't really heard too many names in particular just prospects from the combine about speed, power and burst.. when mentioned.

Real fan 02 · Mar 2, 2026

n1997y said:
Are there any draft candidates that have potential to help with this?

Honestly I haven't really heard too many names in particular just prospects from the combine about speed, power and burst.. when ment

TheRainMaker said:
Milton Williams was whiffing at the QB several times after beating the G in the Super Bowl. But the most glaring thing nobody is talking about is how there were zero teammates in sight to help him play clean up. You can't rely on Williams to duplicate what he did in the previous Super Bowl playing against a one dimensional offense up 20+ points. Chaisson had a play where he ran around the T, but couldn't get to Darnold in time when he ran outside of the pocket and threw it away.

Would Williams sacking Darnold have changed the game? Only if it caused a turnover and they ran it back for TD's. The Pats OL was just that bad they are lucky they scored 13 points.

The difference was that the Seahawks edge players constantly put Campbell on the sled drill and ran around Moses.

Exactly correct.. is why Wolf and Vrabel are prioritizing edge rushers as the focal point.. we saw this as fans in the postseason starting with the LAC.. our offense look more like Patricia's judge then Josh's in the postseason because we saw ferocious pass rushers.

Having the pass rush allows for the offense more opportunities to score, turnovers and sack fumbles.. giving the ball back to Drake inside the 50 or closer instead of having to always start at the 25.. the pass rush significantly helps the secondary.. we have 3 great coverage guys in Gonzo, Marcus and Davis.. with an improvement at edge rush Hawkins isn't so much a liability anymore.

Real fan 02 · Mar 2, 2026

mgteich said:
Our 2025 Defense was a top Defense, one of the very best in the NFL. Sure, we can improve. HOWEVER, as a base, we should do no harm and be as good as 2025 in each unit.

To be as good as 2025, we need to re-sign or upgrade Tonga, Chaisson, Gibbens and Hawkins. It is really that simple.

DL
We had injuries last year. Everyone better knows the system. The backups should improve (Farmer and Gregory).

Re-sign Tonga or a better starting NT and we will be at least as good as in 2025.

EDGE/OLB
Landry wasn't a huge producer. For the total year, neither was Ponder. I expect that the production of the two of them as a total should be as good as 2025. Sure, we could add a major addition in free agency or in the draft.

However, re-sign Chaisson or a better starter and we will be as least as good as in 2025.

INSIDE LB
We should be fine with Spillane, Elliss and Tavai.
Re-sign Gibbens or a better replacement and we will be at least as good as in 2025.

SECONDARY
Sure, we should sign a safety. All the corners are back (plus Dial).
However, re-sign Hawkins or a better replacement and we should be at least as good as in 2025.

Excellent points.. everything stated is 100% accurate. As mentioned in my post Edge rush is the priority... having edge rushers to constantly stress OTs and wreck game plans, constantly speeding up the opposing QBs reads, mirroring that with the coverages takes this defense to another level.

Edge pressures allow for Drake more opportunities and getting great field positions.. sack fumbles and pick 6s... so much a great pass rush can do for a defense.. Denver had what 60 something sacks or something of the like?

Real fan 02 · Mar 2, 2026

PancakeBlockPaul said:
There were several times I also saw poor Will lying on his stomach after blowing a cut and looking back at the defender now closing in on Drake. I know I will sound like a broken record, but the kid WILL get bigger, stronger, and faster....yes....we have the technology...AND it also helps that he is still VERY young....

PBP, you're correct. The topic of injury regarding Will was talked about post Superbowl.. and the only criticism i could really give Vrabel was allowing Campbell who was obviously still hampered dealing with a torn ligament. He was a detriment to the team instead of the rock solid OT he was prior to injury.

p8ryts · Mar 2, 2026

Real fan 02 said:
PBP, you're correct. The topic of injury regarding Will was talked about post Superbowl.. and the only criticism i could really give Vrabel was allowing Campbell who was obviously still hampered dealing with a torn ligament. He was a detriment to the team instead of the rock solid OT he was prior to injury.

Yeah, not to pile on but why if he was projected to be such a liability and proved out to be in game, why wasn't Lowe put in to give the team a chance. Same with Wilson and Brown. Getting to the Super Bowl is hard and once you are there take your best shot. I think the coaches did a disservice to the rest of the team by not giving it your best shot. Not saying it would have changed the outcome, but I would have felt better about the effort.

Real fan 02 · Mar 2, 2026

p8ryts said:
Yeah, not to pile on but why if he was projected to be such a liability and proved out to be in game, why wasn't Lowe put in to give the team a chance. Same with Wilson and Brown. Getting to the Super Bowl is hard and once you are there take your best shot. I think the coaches did a disservice to the rest of the team by not giving it your best shot. Not saying it would have changed the outcome, but I would have felt better about the effort.

Absolutely agree with you and the majority of us asked the same questions.. not that lowe is better than Campbell or some all pro.. he was the healthier option and had played well enough in Campbell's absence to prove he could hold up...it's really mind boggling.. to me a fan. Lowe was a different player this season with his opportunities and I saw growths he even said himself the coaching has helped him tremendously.

mgteich · Mar 2, 2026

n1997y said:
Are there any draft candidates that have potential to help with this?

Sure, there are players at 63 or later who would be 50-50 shots to become contributors, hopefully in 2027.

There may be an immediate contributor available at 31, but not a top-level player.

TommyD4207 · Mar 2, 2026

Real fan 02 said:
One of Mafe, Oweh or Hendrickson would suffice.. also Vrabel's expected to target premium edge rusher in the draft as well..

Mafe and Oweh are younger.. we need a demon off the edge to stress OTs.. Hendrickson still a good player but age and injury are concerns.. Landry is an unknown this upcoming season..we need as many edge rushers as possible.

I like Oweh a lot. It would be a target for me if he shook loose.

PancakeBlockPaul · Mar 3, 2026

Real fan 02 said:
PBP, you're correct. The topic of injury regarding Will was talked about post Superbowl.. and the only criticism i could really give Vrabel was allowing Campbell who was obviously still hampered dealing with a torn ligament. He was a detriment to the team instead of the rock solid OT he was prior to injury.

Honestly I think it was a great idea getting him the experience of being in the big game. Being on the sidelines wouldn't get him this. This way, NEXT year when we go back, those jitters won't be as bad. Can you imagine the anxiety that poor kid was feeling? Millions of eyes watching him whiff multiple blocks....then castrating him for it. He got excellent experience imo my good friend @Real fan 02 . And I totally get what you are saying about being a detriment....but I think Vrabe's weighed the 2 and thought he would get better results with him AND get him that all important experience. I am fairly certain Vrabes knew they had barely a chance in hell of winning it, so why not get him the xp? I just hope he fully recovers from the MCL tear. So long as it wasn't a meniscus or ACL, he should be golden. It will be later on in life when he regrets playing on it lol.

Edit: For those saying he shouldn't have played.....you'd probably all be crying because Venereal Low would have not done much better I think....

Real fan 02 · Mar 3, 2026

PancakeBlockPaul said:
Honestly I think it was a great idea getting him the experience of being in the big game. Being on the sidelines wouldn't get him this. This way, NEXT year when we go back, those jitters won't be as bad. Can you imagine the anxiety that poor kid was feeling? Millions of eyes watching him whiff multiple blocks....then castrating him for it. He got excellent experience imo my good friend @Real fan 02 . And I totally get what you are saying about being a detriment....but I think Vrabe's weighed the 2 and thought he would get better results with him AND get him that all important experience. I am fairly certain Vrabes knew they had barely a chance in hell of winning it, so why not get him the xp? I just hope he fully recovers from the MCL tear. So long as it wasn't a meniscus or ACL, he should be golden. It will be later on in life when he regrets playing on it lol.

Edit: For those saying he shouldn't have played.....you'd probably all be crying because Venereal Low would have not done much better I think....

Oh without a doubt my good man! PBP. The experience was invaluable for Campbell. The only points I was making was Campbell wasn't right even upon his return from injury ( prematurely IMO)

Lowe had filled in well and by no means am I or any poster claiming him to be an all pro LT.. but he was solid and he was the healthiest and less compromised option.

Campbell was compromised in his lateral movement and at his position that is vital.. prior to his injury his rock solid and his best game of the season was week 5 at Buffalo IMO...

Lowe would had at least been able to have better lateral movement enough to hold blocks Campbell couldn't do it because he was comprised by the injury and wearing that bace as well. He's 22 and had a good rookie season.

I thought of how RG3 was comprised by the same injury MCL by returning too soon and playing and getting hurt again.

Sometimes it can hamper a guys career as NFL players careers go on they don't get healthier. Campbell will need to fully recover and get stronger heading into next season. He has the coaching everything else is on him as a player.

Due to this it's probably good business to try and retain Lowe at a team friendly option as a back up.

Real fan 02 · Mar 3, 2026

TommyD4207 said:
I like Oweh a lot. It would be a target for me if he shook loose.

Same here... I believe that's the market they are likely looking in... as I mentioned Landry is an unknown.. going to have to extend chassion and go after Oweh or Mafe..

aluminum seats · Mar 3, 2026

Real fan 02 said:
Same here... I believe that's the market they are likely looking in... as I mentioned Landry is an unknown.. going to have to extend chassion and go after Oweh or Mafe..

Even Oweh might be looking at $25 million though right? So much interest in that position

Real fan 02 · Mar 3, 2026

aluminum seats said:
Even Oweh might be looking at $25 million though right? So much interest in that position

Will Patriots sign one of these 5 free agent pass rushers?

The Patriots need to add to their pass rush. Here are five free agents who would help:

sports.yahoo.com

Interesting thing here is he had the same production as Chaisson 7.5 sacks... Chaisson has more leverage in my opinion as Landry is a complete unknown heading into next season... if we don't sign one of Chaisson or Oweh then we are in a dilemma as that would potentially leave us with no starting edge rusher..

Drafting a guy or 2 yes most definitely..but we still need starting proven edge rushers.. there's no guarantee if a rookie will catch on right away..

PancakeBlockPaul · Mar 4, 2026

Real fan 02 said:
Oh without a doubt my good man! PBP. The experience was invaluable for Campbell. The only points I was making was Campbell wasn't right even upon his return from injury ( prematurely IMO)

Lowe had filled in well and by no means am I or any poster claiming him to be an all pro LT.. but he was solid and he was the healthiest and less compromised option.

Campbell was compromised in his lateral movement and at his position that is vital.. prior to his injury his rock solid and his best game of the season was week 5 at Buffalo IMO...

Lowe would had at least been able to have better lateral movement enough to hold blocks Campbell couldn't do it because he was comprised by the injury and wearing that bace as well. He's 22 and had a good rookie season.

I thought of how RG3 was comprised by the same injury MCL by returning too soon and playing and getting hurt again.

Sometimes it can hamper a guys career as NFL players careers go on they don't get healthier. Campbell will need to fully recover and get stronger heading into next season. He has the coaching everything else is on him as a player.

Due to this it's probably good business to try and retain Lowe at a team friendly option as a back up.

I'm just really glad it wasn't an ACL and/or meniscus. MCLs are easily overcome well from my experience....didn't need surgery but that was way before they had knee surgery for most things...bah that tells you how ancient I am rofl.

n1997y · Mar 4, 2026

PancakeBlockPaul said:
I'm just really glad it wasn't an ACL and/or meniscus. MCLs are easily overcome well from my experience....didn't need surgery but that was way before they had knee surgery for most things...bah that tells you how ancient I am rofl.

I’m concerned that Campbell played on his bad leg while it was obviously not fully healed, and whether that could have caused a setback that will carry over to affect his offseason progress.

I’d like to think that those factors were evaluated, but the decision to play him in the biggest games of the year when he was not performing at his best is so questionable it calls into question all the evaluations around his condition.

I hope I’m wrong and my fears are unfounded. We will know when we see how he does in the next season.

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