Patriots’ Interior Pressure Could Be the Key to Disrupting Darnold and the Seahawks
Drake Maye has taken a beating this season-62 sacks between the regular season and playoffs. That’s a tough number to stomach for any quarterback, let alone a rookie trying to find his footing in the NFL.
But while sacks are the headline-grabbers, it’s the pressures-especially the quick ones-that quietly shape the outcome of games. And in that department, the Patriots’ defense has some serious firepower.
Two names stand out: Christian Barmore and Milton Williams. The Patriots’ defensive tackle duo has been a force all year, and when it comes to “quick pressures”-those that collapse the pocket within 2.5 seconds-they’re among the best in the league. According to Next Gen Stats, Barmore ranks third among all defensive tackles with 15 quick pressures, while Williams isn’t far behind with 14, tied for fifth.
These aren’t just empty numbers. Quick pressures don’t always show up in the sack column, but they force quarterbacks off their spot, disrupt timing, and create turnover opportunities. And when you combine that kind of interior disruption with edge pressure from guys like K’Lavon Chaisson and Harold Landry III (if he’s good to go), you’ve got a recipe to rattle even the most poised signal-callers.
That’s exactly what the Patriots will need to do against Sam Darnold and a high-octane Seahawks offense.
The Darnold-Smith-Njigba Connection Is No Joke
Darnold has been steady and at times spectacular this season, throwing for over 4,000 yards with 25 touchdowns and a 67.7% completion rate. But the engine of Seattle’s offense is his connection with All-Pro wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
The second-year receiver put together a monster campaign-119 catches, 1,793 yards, and 10 touchdowns. He’s a technician in space and a problem after the catch.
That’s where Christian Gonzalez comes in. The Patriots’ Pro Bowl corner will draw the assignment of shadowing Smith-Njigba, and he’s more than capable.
But even the best corners benefit from help up front. If Barmore and Williams can consistently push the pocket and force Darnold into uncomfortable throws, it makes Gonzalez’s job that much easier.
Seattle’s O-Line: A Potential Pressure Point
While Darnold has only been sacked 27 times this season-a far cry from Maye’s 47 in the regular season alone-Seattle’s offensive line isn’t invincible. There have been cracks, especially when it comes to quick pressures allowed. That’s a window of opportunity for Barmore and Williams to exploit.
We’ve already seen them step up in big moments. Barmore delivered a key sack in the AFC Championship Game against Jarrett Stidham, and Williams notched two sacks in the Wild Card win over the Chargers. These guys don’t just show up-they show out when the lights are brightest.
Patriots’ Defense Peaking at the Right Time
The beauty of this Patriots defense is that it’s not built on one star-it’s built on cohesion, timing, and well-timed aggression. And right now, it’s clicking.
Barmore and Williams are creating havoc inside. The edge rush, when healthy, is fast and physical.
And the secondary, led by Gonzalez, has the talent to match up with elite pass-catchers.
But the key in this matchup is simple: make Darnold uncomfortable. He’s thrown 14 interceptions this season, and while he’s been efficient, he’s not immune to mistakes. Pressure him early, and you might just tilt the game in your favor.
This is a classic strength-on-strength battle: Seattle’s explosive offense versus New England’s surging defense. And if the Patriots are going to punch their ticket to a championship, it’ll likely be because their interior linemen-Barmore and Williams-took control of the trenches and never let go.
Buckle up. This one has all the makings of a heavyweight showdown.