The Patriots defense is set to play violent football under its new coaching staff.
Under head coach Mike Vrabel and defensive coordinator Terrell Williams, the New England Patriots defense is set to look different in 2025.
The mindset of that unit is clear: play with violence.
“Any style that we’ve been a part of, the unwavering violence is a huge part of that,” inside linebackers coach Zak Kuhr said Friday. “Being aggressive, being violent, not turning down blocks. Having a good toolbox of tools to defeat the offensive player, but it’s not just always finesse. There is some physicality there and some violence. We’re huge into guys that don’t mind playing violent football.”
In addition to the violent philosophy, schematic changes from Vrabel and Williams will help their defense be more aggressive. That especially rings true along the defensive line, where the duo predominantly ran four-down fronts during their time together in Tennessee.
Under these looks, the Titans primarily one-gapped against the run compared to New England’s typical two-gap system which will now allow defenders to get upfield quicker to cause disruption.
The scheme change should suit a number of defensive line positively, including big free agent addition Milton Williams, who was at his best as a penetrating three-technique in Philadelphia.
“The great thing with Milton, he adds obviously what you see on tape — like a level of violence and explosiveness,” defensive line coach Clint McMillan said. “Has an ability to affect the quarterback. Everyone kind of got to see that, especially in the Super Bowl, but you know he just adds another piece for us just to help us play good defense, help us continue to try to build a front and limit points. So just excited to have another talented piece.”
A more violent approach could also get the best out of third-year defender Keion White, who was vocal near the end of last season with his displeasure about how things unfolded in his sophomore season.
White will now work under outside linebacker coach Mike Smith, who comes with plenty of experience coaching bigger rushers such as Tamba Hali, Rashawn Gary, Justin Houston, etc.
“I like big rushers. I like big athletic rushers, and I think he fits that mold,” Smith said Friday. “I think with guys like him — and he’s got some learning to do, like we all do. When you’re done learning, you’re done. But, guys like that, you can move across the line, you can do different things with them and I’m just really excited to put my hands on him.
“Love the way he plays. You can tell football means something to him when you talk to him. He’s a serious guy, man, and meaner than a rattlesnake — I like that about him. He’s the type of guy, and I’ve had all different kinds of sizes and stuff, but I think he’s got a good, good future.”