They spent big on a host of new faces to overhaul their defense, but not every newcomer is thriving for the New England Patriots, with two starters topping or near the top of some of the worst categories in the NFL.
Linebackers Robert Spillane and Christian Elliss are the guilty parties, according to the Boston Herald’s Doug Kyed, who cites statistics from Pro Football Focus. Kyed first noted how “Patriots LBs Robert Spillane and Christian Elliss currently are first and second in most missed tackles, via PFF. Spillane: 8 missed tackles Elliss: 6 missed tackles.”
As if those numbers weren’t troubling enough, Kyed also pointed out “Spillane and Elliss are also two of eight linebackers who have allowed 100+ yards in coverage through two weeks, per PFF’s charting.”
These are hardly the statistics the Patriots were expecting when they signed Spillane from the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency. Nor when they matched an offer sheet from the Silver and Black and brought back Elliss.
Patriots Losing at the Linebacker Level
It would be a mistake to assume all is well with the Patriots’ defense after a win over the Miami Dolphins in Week 2. A victory sealed by a clever play from a pair of veterans who’ve boosted what was an anaemic pass rush.
Yet despite the obvious improvements up front, the defense as a whole is getting gashed through the air. Raiders quarterback Geno Smith threw for 362 yards in Week 1, before Dolphins passer Tua Tagovailoa amassed 315 yards.
A big part of the problem is the Patriots are losing at the linebacker level. Losing when they allowed Miami running back De’Von Achane to tally 92 yards on eight catches, including this 29-yard touchdown, when he ran right by Spillane (14).
Pats linebackers are also struggling to match the athleticism of dynamic tight ends. The problem showed up against the Raiders, when All-Pro Brock Bowers posted five catches for 103 yards.
Staying with receivers in space is proving a problem, even though the Patriots made greater speed and range their priorities at the position. It’s why they re-signed Elliss, who showed superstar potential against the pass last season.
Spillane was signed for similar reasons, but the shift toward lighter, more athletic linebackers has also left the Patriots vulnerable on the ground in key moments. Like when Raiders rookie running back Ashton Jeanty scored his first touchdown in the pros because Elliss (53) got lost in traffic, while Spillane missed a tackle in the hole.
The Patriots can’t ignore a growing problem at a key spot, but there is hope other players could provide a fix.
Patriots Have Alternatives to Struggling Starters
Getting better in coverage will demand greater range, keener eyes and superior agility. All qualities hybrid defender Marte Mapu can provide.
The third-round pick in the 2023 NFL draft is a safety type playing at the second level. Mapu’s defensive back-like skills showed up for a critical interception in Miami.
Putting Mapu onto the field more often can help the Patriots repel the pass in underneath areas and between the numbers. Changing things against the run will mean giving more snaps to Anfernee Jennings.
The beefy edge-setter is a specialist at redirecting rushing plays and dropping runners at source. There hasn’t been as much demand for Jennings’ particular set of skills in this new-look defense, but the 28-year-old did get 11 snaps against the Dolphins, while Mapu made the most of seven, per ESPN’s Mike Reiss.
Head coach Mike Vrabel wants to change the way the Patriots have done things defensively for decades, but the change must be gradual. At least until all of the new personnel can match the requirements of the system.
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