As soon as the final second ticks away from the cursed 2023 season, New England Patriots fans will look to swat away its memories.
According to ESPN, they may have the perfect player to help them out.
On an expansive list of unique gridiron superlatives compiled by the Worldwide Leader ... 101, to be precise ... Christian Barmore repped the Patriots as the NFL's "Best Pass Lane Swatter" as the final weeks of the regular season loom.
"Barmore's ability to play with effort through the down and create an interior push puts him in a position to get his hands up on the throw," ESPN's Matt Bowen wrote. "His six batted passes are tied for most in the league."
Barmore's breakout is one of the most prominent, undeniable silver linings of this season conjured from the depths of the football netherworld and solidifying the Patriots' defense as a force to be reckoned with. With three games left on the docket, the second-round pick from the 2021 draft has already set new career bests in quarterback hits (11), tackles for a loss (9), sacks (5.5), and, as Bowen noted, pass deflections.
Doubters could say it's a result of a clean bill of health after missing seven games due to injury last season but he's left an impression on teammates such as fellow lineman Davon Godchaux.
"The main thing is he's been healthy, and you see his game growing and growing because of it," Godchaux said, per Mike Reiss of ESPN. "(He's) very quick in the passing game, agood penetrator, disruptive on third down. He's getting more confident each game and less hesitant."
The Alabama alum has been the face of the Patriots' defense due to season-ending injuries for Christian Gonzalez and Matthew Judon. At 24 years old, Barmore is set to enter the final year of his original rookie contract next season.
Barmore's next chance to impress lands on Sunday night when the Patriots (3-11) battle the Denver Broncos (8:15 p.m. ET, NFL Network).
More must-reads: