A team filled with young, promising talent needs powerful voices anywhere it can get them. Fortunately for the Patriots, they may have found a guy in Harold Landry who fits that mold.
It also doesn't hurt that Landry is a quick, athletic linebacker who appears to fit Mike Vrabel's system perfectly. A sign of Landry's leadership was on display before Saturday's preseason win over Minnesota, when Landry was a captain, along with Marcus Jones and Brenden Schooler.
While preseason captaincy isn't a clear indication as to who is going to have the "C" on their jersey when the regular season kicks off, the seven-year veteran is a viable candidate to wear one this year. Landry played for Vrabel in Tennessee and has logged 54 sacks during his career, but more importantly, he is highly motivated and has a vision that matches the one the Patriots are trying to create.
Harold Landry's voice will be a vital key to success of Patriots' defense
Landry is one of many free agents Eliot Wolf and the Patriots spent a lot of money on last offseason to upgrade their defense. With training camp and the preseason winding down, Vrabel and defensive coordinator Terrell Williams are raving about the voice Landry has provided on and off the field.
If the Patriots' defense is going to have success this year, veteran guys like Landry need to make their presence felt in ways that don't involve sacks and interceptions. Signing with the Patriots made that part of the team's expectations for Landry.
More importantly, Landry is practicing with a chip on his shoulder, and he should be motivated after the Titans cut him loose during the offseason. New England's pass rush was a factor that needed a boost during the offseason, and signing Landry has proven to be a no-brainer.
It remains to be seen what Landry does on the field for the Patriots this season. But his voice may prove to be the best stat he racks up. Whatever sacks and anything else he does to help the team win is just an added bonus.