As the New England Patriots gear up for Sunday’s AFC Championship clash in Denver, one name to keep a close eye on is Christian Barmore. The defensive tackle has been a force for Mike Vrabel’s defense all season long-and now, he's heading into one of the toughest road environments in the NFL: the Mile High City.
Denver’s altitude isn’t just a talking point-it’s a real factor. The thinner air can mess with stamina, recovery, and even increase injury risk for players not used to it. For someone with Barmore’s medical history, it’s more than just a footnote.
Barmore missed the bulk of the 2024 season after a serious health scare involving life-threatening blood clots. He didn’t return to action until November and was limited to just four games that year as symptoms resurfaced.
Fast forward to this season, and he’s flipped the script-playing in 17 games, starting 16, and logging 665 snaps. That’s right in line with his breakout 2023 campaign, and it’s a testament to both his resilience and his impact on the field.
So, how are the Patriots handling his return to Denver’s high altitude, given his medical background? Head coach Mike Vrabel addressed that directly this week.
“No,” Vrabel said when asked if Barmore would be limited. “Certainly something to monitor. There are some players we’ll have to monitor for one reason or another, but I don’t see any limitations for Christian.”
That’s big news for New England. Barmore has been a key cog in the Patriots’ playoff run, starting both postseason games so far and racking up five tackles and a tackle for loss. He’s not just eating up space-he’s making plays.
And if history is any indicator, Barmore could be poised for another standout performance in Denver. The last time he played at Empower Field was Week 16 of the 2023 season, and he absolutely wrecked shop: three sacks, eight tackles, and two tackles for loss. That’s the kind of stat line that makes offensive coordinators lose sleep.
But it’s not just about numbers-it’s about mindset. Barmore came into this season with something to prove after being sidelined for most of last year.
“Really just a lot of fire in my heart,” he said before the season. “After that situation, people forget who I am.
I’m bringing a lot of [competitiveness] with me. Every day, when I’m on this field.”
That chip on his shoulder has translated into consistent production and a physical presence that anchors the Patriots’ defensive front. At 6-foot-5 and 315 pounds, Barmore isn’t just a space-eater-he’s a disruptor. And with no restrictions heading into the biggest game of the year, he’s in a position to make a major impact once again.
For a Patriots team that thrives on physicality and discipline, having Barmore fully available in a hostile environment is a major boost. His journey back from a serious health scare to being a playoff difference-maker is one of the more under-the-radar storylines of this postseason-but don’t be surprised if he commands the spotlight on Sunday.