Giardi just wrote last week about Christian Barmore's run of impressive play, so I was reticent to do this ... but the young DT was too good against the Colts not to highlight again.
And what he did against the Colts represented a big step forward for Barmore.
If you want him to become a force on all three downs and not just a subpackage rusher — and who doesn't want that? — then what he showed against the Colts should excite you.
Specifically, Barmore was outstanding with his run defense — especially holding up against double teams.
Why is this significant?
If you're an interior lineman on the Patriots, you better be able to hold your ground when two blockers inevitably double-team you. Anybody on any team can shoot a gap — think Adam Butler during his tenure. You fire off the ball and look to disrupt a play.
The Patriots allow that on occasion, especially in passing situations. But when the run is a threat, there is very little gap shooting. Linemen have to hold two blockers, which allows the linebackers and safeties to read the play and clean up the tackles.
The first rep on this video was just outstanding. Barmore has to take on Colts All-Pro left guard Quenton Nelson, and three-time Pro Bowl center Ryan Kelly. Not only does Barmore hold both blockers, but he drives them back, Nelson ends up on the ground, and the result in a 1-yard loss deep in the red zone.
Bravo.
This is an elite run.
And that play was just the tip of the iceberg in this game for Barmore, which continued his leap to another level. Check out the video:
Here are the positional ratings against the Colts:
DEFENSE
Defensive line (4.5 out of 5)
Only two errors in this entire group, and both were from Anfernee Jennings on the touchdown (he spun inside instead of staying outside) and a pass coverage on third down where his zone drop was not great. Other than that, this group was great, highlighted by Barmore. ... Pass rush was not good enough - Gardner Minshew is not that great of an athlete anymore. What has happened to Josh Uche? He can't get a bigger role? So in close games, he's just not going to play all that much? Should have traded him.
Linebackers (4 out of 5)
Outside of his missed sack (of the two for the team) and his personal foul that's a penalty by the rule but tough to avoid in the run of play, Jalani Tavai was very strong again with six impactful plays, including the tip on the INT. Mack Wilson and Calvin Munson were solid.
Secondary (2 out of 5)
This could have been a lot worse if Minshew was a little more accurate or his receivers caught a few more balls. ... Wasn't horrible on the whole, but Shaun Wade is an issue — outside of his one real nice pass tackle for a loss in the flat. ... Yes, Myles Bryant gave up that first big third down but if you're putting that on him, you're doing it wrong. No one can cover for five seconds. The rush has to get home. ... Jack Jones was awful in this game. Undisciplined, not making plays when they were there. His release not a surprise.
THREE UP
Christian Barmore: Finally realizing his potential and he's being consistent. Time to lock him up before it gets too pricey.
Jahlani Tavai: He's a good player in this system and he did great covering for Bentley, but it's still a larger issue that he's a starter. On a good team, he's a backup/role player.
Deatrich Wise: Becoming old reliable.
THREE DOWN
Jack Jones: Good riddance. I'm sure Vegas and the Raiders will suit him well. Good luck to Antonio Pierce.
Shaun Wade: It's going to be rough running him out there.
Jalen Mills: Looks slow and he's ineffective.
More must-reads: