The Patriots spent the offseason reshaping their roster, and most of that work has already been rewarded. A 4-13 team turned into a 14-3 juggernaut before falling to the Seahawks in the Super Bowl, and the defense was a huge reason for the turnaround.
That makes the loss of Khyiris Tonga look a lot more painful in hindsight.
Tonga, a veteran nose tackle the Bears drafted out of BYU, was a useful part of New England’s run defense last season. The Patriots finished sixth against the run, and Tonga helped form part of the interior group alongside Milton Williams, Christian Barmore and Cory Durden. He also chipped in as a fullback, opening a lane for TreVeyon Henderson’s second long touchdown run against the Buccaneers in Week 10.
New England reportedly tried to work something out with Tonga before the playoffs, but no deal came together, and he left in free agency for the Chiefs.
That departure has left the Patriots without a true nose tackle. The defensive line is still a strength, with Williams and Barmore giving the team one of the league’s best interior pairings and Durden expected to take on a larger role.
Leonard Taylor, who blocked a field goal against Denver in the AFC Championship Game, also turned in a strong preseason and should factor in. Josh Farmer, a 2025 fourth-round pick, rounds out the group on the roster, while Eric Gregory and Jeremiah Pharms add depth on the practice squad.
Even so, size alone doesn’t solve the problem. Every player in that mix is over 300 pounds, but New England still lacks the kind of true space-eater Tonga brought to the middle. Durden has handled that assignment so far, though at about 300 pounds, he’s not quite built for it.
Tonga’s early work with the Chiefs only sharpened the point. In Week 1, Kansas City’s defense held the Broncos to 54 yards on 11 carries, with Tonga playing 22 defensive snaps and making one tackle. He also got four snaps at fullback and served as the lead blocker on Kenneth Walker’s 60-yard touchdown to start the third quarter.
The Seahawks’ ground game was efficient on Wednesday, with rookie Jadarian Price averaging 5.2 yards per carry on 10 attempts. George Holland, meanwhile, had eight carries and averaged 3.6 yards per rush. If Price had been featured more, a 100-yard day was there to be had.
On offense, the Patriots had their own issues getting push. Reggie Gilliam is one of the league’s top fullbacks, but Tonga might have been able to help there too. Rhamondre Stevenson and Corey Kiner combined for just 62 yards on 24 carries, a meager 2.6 yards per attempt.
That kind of blocking presence could have mattered. One long touchdown run may have swung the game, and Tonga has already shown he can help create those plays.
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Patriots Injury Report Could Change Everything Against Pittsburgh
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Pittsburgh has its own questions, with Michael Pittmans status uncertain and Joey Porter Jr. looking unlikely to play. For a game that could hinge on a handful of matchups and a few key absences, both sides are monitoring the final availability closely. The Patriots will get a better sense of how much flexibility they have only when the rest of the weeks practice work is done, and there is still room for the picture to shift before kickoff. [Read more 🡒]