Christian Barmore Providing New England Patriots Bright Spot: 'Grinding'

New England Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore said he feels as good as ever, and his on-field results reflect exactly that - just ask coach Bill Belichick.

When the New England Patriots selected defensive tackle Christian Barmore at No. 38 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, coach Bill Belichick anticipated adding a difference maker to his front seven.

But through his first two years in New England, Barmore didn't really live up to that billing. He played in 27 games with five starts, collecting 69 total tackles, five tackles for loss and four sacks.

As such, the 24-year-old Barmore entered this season needing to show signs of progress - and he's delivered.

Through seven games, the former Alabama standout has played a career-high 59 percent of New England's defensive snaps while recording three tackles for loss, two sacks and an additional 14 quarterback hurries.

Barmore, who stands 6-5, 315 pounds, has generated pressure on 16 of 167 pass rushing snaps, per Pro Football Focus, producing a stout 9.5 percent pressure rate.

Numerically, Barmore has taken a considerable step forward ... and Belichick is pleased with what he's seen thus far.

"B-More's had a really good year," Belichick said. "He's been healthy. He had a good offseason. I'd say this is the hardest that he's trained or was able to train. Some of that's been a little bit rehab related. He's had a good offseason, good training and he's playing well. I think those things usually go together."

Christian Barmore has enjoyed a breakout season in the middle of the New England Patriots' defensive line / Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports

Barmore's PFF pass rushing grade of 77 is tops on New England's defensive line and has played a big part in helping keep opposing quarterbacks unsettled with star pass rusher Matthew Judon out indefinitely with a torn bicep.

“He gives a lot of pressure up the middle,” defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr. said, via Boston.Com. “He’s been beating guys left and right. Every game we see him beating somebody, causing pressures, forcing turnovers, forcing 3 and outs, so it’s good to see.”

The Patriots are riding high after last week's surprising 29-25 victory over the Buffalo Bills and look to continue their momentum this Sunday in a road contest against the Miami Dolphins.

When New England and Miami met in Week 2, Barmore played a season-low 27 snaps and made only one tackle - but due to the improved off-field work habits and ascending on-field play, he feels ready to leave his mark inside Hard Rock Stadium.

"Every day, it’s just grinding so hard in the weight room," Barmore said. "I’m in there all day every day. I’m doing way more training than I ever did to keep my body in shape for a longer season."

And by all accounts, Barmore's results reflect his work ... and the Patriots hope that trend continues Sunday in Miami, with kickoff set for 1 p.m. EST.

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