The 1-2 New England Patriots are plagued with issues. The offensive line play has been wildly inconsistent, the loss of Christian Gonzalez has been felt through the first few weeks, and their five turnovers against the Steelers were their most since 2000. There's little doubt the team has issues, but one under-the-radar problem has been particularly prevalent over the past few weeks: tackling.
After free agent addition Robert Spillane missed a career high five tackles in Week 2, it didn't seem things could get much worse for a struggling Patriots tackling defense. Inevitably, it did.
The team broke a streak on Sunday for their most missed tackles since 2021, a second slap in the face after they lost the turnover battle five to one.
Patriots had 14 missed tackles today for a 23.3% missed tackle rate. This was their 2nd-highest single game missed tackle rate in @NextGenStats database that goes back to 2016.
— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) September 21, 2025
The Patriots' defense continuing to miss tackles will be a huge problem
Despite notable fortifications to the defense, the Patriots have struggled to tackle thus far. For a coach historically celebrated for his focus on fundamentals, Vrabel's team looks completely lost. The aforementioned Spillane, who was given a contract worth $12 million per season, had a poor Week 2 and has a dismal 32.1 PFF grade for the year.
Christian Elliss, who was serviceable after being thrust into a starting role last year, was extended in the offseason. PFF ranks him 111/116 eligible linebackers in the league, as he sports a 29.6 overall grade.
Their unfortunate affinity for missing tackles as a unit is incredibly concerning, especially considering the Steelers' offense is largely devoid of talent. The team will get reinforcements in the form of Jahlani Tavai later in the year, but that's where it starts and ends. Jabrill Peppers' release came as a shock, but he's the exact type of player the team could use right now.
As a whole, tackling the issue is incredibly disappointing. Given the investment made in the position via Spillane and Elliss, paired with the promise of fundamental football from Vrabel and company, there wasn't much reason to think this would be the issue holding the team back.
Nonetheless, it is, and the team will need to make some major changes to fix this issue before it spirals out of control.