Before the 2024 season even began, the Patriots dealt with a devastating blow to their defensive roster when it was announced that Christian Barmore, an anchor of their defensive line, was dealing with a health issue that would keep him sidelined indefinitely. It was a huge loss that was felt immediately, especially in stopping the run, and it continues to be one of the weakest parts of their defensive effort every week.
It certainly doesn't help that they would eventually lose Ja'Whaun Bentley in Week 2 to a season-ending injury, either, or that they traded Matthew Judon to the Falcons. Although that already looks like a brilliant trade, even more so given what they received in return, his added absence has also created a hole on the defensive line.
The Patriots' coaching staff has experimented with different lineups often this season in hopes of finding the right combination to make the biggest impact. Unfortunately, that's still a struggle, and they continue to allow an egregious amount of yards to running backs, as seen again on Sunday against the Titans.
But some good news came out of their latest loss, according to head coach Jerod Mayo, who was asked about Barmore specifically when speaking to reporters on Monday morning.
The potential return of Christian Barmore could dramatically change the Patriots defensive effort
With the run defense remaining one of the biggest concerns surrounding the team this season, Mayo was asked several questions about the Patriots' latest efforts after Sunday's loss in Tennessee.
Besides acknowledging the struggles they've been dealing with, Mayo revealed that Barmore is "getting close" to returning to the team this year, which is a huge update for what seemed like an impossiblity when his diagnosis was initially revealed this past summer.
Jerod Mayo on Christian Barmore’s chances of playing the season:
— Sophie Weller (@sophieewellerr) November 4, 2024
“We’re getting close” pic.twitter.com/DU8adt0D1a
Although he won't magically become the savior of the defensive effort to slow down opposing running backs, he has been consistently one of the best players on the team in doing so, making his inevitable return a big win for the Patriots moving forward.
The defense was believed to be the better side of the team this season, and while some could argue that's still true, outside of Drake Maye, they haven't exactly been thriving this year nor lived up to the offseason hype.
It's concerning given how many of the same players from the top-10 defense in 2023 are still on the team, which raisesthat questions about coaching, but there's hope that Barmore's return could be enough of a positive help to improve their efforts the rest of the season, whenver he is able to get back on the field.