{"id":149869,"date":"2025-12-12T09:02:11","date_gmt":"2025-12-12T14:02:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.clnsmedia.com\/?p=149869"},"modified":"2025-12-12T09:02:25","modified_gmt":"2025-12-12T14:02:25","slug":"how-patriots-pass-rush-can-heat-up-josh-allen","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.clnsmedia.com\/how-patriots-pass-rush-can-heat-up-josh-allen\/","title":{"rendered":"How Patriots Pass Rush Can Heat Up Josh Allen"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Patriots have been without their best pass rusher since Week 11, but statistically, they\u2019ve barely missed a beat.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Since losing Milton Williams to a high-ankle sprain early against the Jets, New England has seen virtually no drop-off in pass rush efficiency. In fact, according to PFF, their pressure rate has slightly increased since Week 11.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Some of their success can be attributed to Christian Barmore\u2019s consistently disruptive presence. The usual nose tackle has spent more time at Williams\u2019 usual defensive tackle spot, where he\u2019s drawn fewer doubles. Barmore has notched three hurries in each of his past three games, and he trails only Moro Ojomo and Arik Armstead in total hurries this season.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rookie Elijah Ponder has also flashed recently, recording two sacks in three weeks. The edge rusher spent some time inside against the Giants to counter Jaxson Dart\u2019s athleticism.<\/span><\/p>\n

As valiant as some individual efforts have been, Williams\u2019 impact can\u2019t be replaced by just one player, so New England has ramped up its use of second-level rushers and line games to help pick up some of the slack.<\/span><\/p>\n

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This manufactured pressure has led to crucial stops, and it could be crucial to slowing down Josh Allen this Sunday.<\/span><\/p>\n

New England blitzed on just 20.0% of Allen’s dropbacks in Week 5 and stunted on 22.5%, both bottom-three rates for the defense this season.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This strategy afforded Allen time and space to burn the back end, especially on man coverage or play-action snaps. But in round two, it sounds like the Patriots will be taking the fight to the Bills.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you can keep him in the pocket. He’s just got to stand there and wait for somebody to uncover,\u201d Mike Vrabel told reporters on Wednesday. \u201cCoordinated and relentless is probably the best way to phrase it. Because, again, you say, \u201cWell, keep him in the pocket.\u201d And then guys are just standing there, and they’re cautious, and we don’t want to coach that way.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

With this more aggressive approach in mind, here are three ways the Patriots\u2019 defense can use their scheme to affect Josh Allen.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Stunts<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Line games or \u201cstunts\u201d create confusion and unblocked pressure by having rushers exchange gaps post-snap.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

They\u2019ve been a staple of New England\u2019s penetrating front under Vrabel and interim defensive coordinator\/inside linebackers coach Zak Kuhr, but they\u2019ve seen a spike of over 10% spike since Week 11.<\/span><\/p>\n

Stunts have contributed to most of New England\u2019s pressures in recent weeks, with Barmore being a focal point as both a penetrator and looper.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Elijah Ponder gets the 3rd down sack on Fields! #Patriots<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/xojzQe7wn3<\/a><\/p>\n

— Follow: @ThrowbackPATS (@ThrowbackPATS) November 14, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n