Welcome to a new series: Coaches Corner. Each week, I’ll break down the X’s and O’s behind Patriots football — focusing on the schemes, adjustments, and matchups that define the game.
Where’s the Man?
The Patriots ranked 30th in DVOA last season, and over the offseason they addressed their core issues. They signed several playmakers, including DT Milton Williams, CB Carlton Davis, LB Robert Spillane, and LB Harold Landry. They also hired former Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Terrell Williams.
Last season with the Lions, Davis allowed the fourth-lowest completion rate in man coverage. On 74 coverage snaps, he gave up just four completions on eight targets and allowed the lowest average separation against opposing wide receivers (2.1 yards). Overall, the veteran held opponents to a 46.6% completion rate in man coverage — the 11th-lowest mark among qualifying cornerbacks (minimum 25 targets).
According to Next Gen Stats, the Patriots used man coverage 44.1% of the time last season, the second-highest rate in the NFL. This year, however, their man coverage rate has dropped to 29.3%, ranking 15th.
The biggest reason for the decline appears to be the absence of Christian Gonzalez. Carlton Davis is now the only true boundary corner, while Alex Austin and Marcus Jones primarily play in the slot. Safety Jaylinn Hawkins has taken on a majority of snaps in the secondary. Although he had a strong performance against the Dolphins compared to the Raiders, he has allowed 99 yards through two games, showing room for improvement in coverage.
The personnel and scheme adjustments reflect a more balanced approach without their Pro Bowl-caliber cornerback. While the Patriots still use man coverage situationally — particularly on third downs and in the red zone — they now lean more on zone shells to protect a secondary that lacks multiple shutdown corners.
Stevenson’s Show
Through the first two weeks of the season, Rhamondre Stevenson has clearly been the Patriots’ No. 1 running back, while rookie TreVeyon Henderson remains far behind. Stevenson has logged 81 of the Patriots’ 123 offensive snaps (65.9%) — over 30% more than any other back on the roster.
Statistically, however, Stevenson is off to a slow start on the ground, recording career lows in both yards per attempt (3.8) and EPA per carry (-0.25). Where he’s made up for it is in the passing game. According to Next Gen Stats, Stevenson ranks fifth among running backs in receiving yards (100) and fourth in receiving yards over expected (+36) through two games.
After his strong preseason, many Patriots fans expected the reins to eventually be handed to Henderson. So far, the rookie has just eight total carries in two weeks.
Looking ahead, Stevenson is in position for a potential breakout performance this week. The Steelers’ run defense has allowed back-to-back 100-yard games to opposing running backs. On top of leading the Patriots in rushing attempts and yards, Stevenson also leads the team in targets, receptions, and receiving yards, making him the focal point of the offense.
Will Campbell May be the Answer
After a shaky debut, Will Campbell showed why the Patriots believe in his long-term potential at left tackle. In Week 1, the rookie gave up five pressures and a sack, looking overwhelmed at times against Maxx Crosby and the Raiders.
But in Week 2, Campbell had more control, allowing just one pressure across 29 pass-blocking snaps — a pressure rate of 3.4%. That quick turnaround not only showed improvement in his technique but also communication with rookie left guard Jared Wilson. The entire left side of the line features two rookies, something rarely seen.
Through two games, Campbell has surrendered a 7.3% pressure rate, the ninth-lowest among 35 qualifying left tackles (minimum 25 pass-blocking snaps). For a player still adjusting to the speed of NFL defenses, it’s a promising start.
If Campbell continues to build on his Week 2 performance, the Patriots may have found their answer at a position that has been a revolving door in recent years.
Rush Hour
The Patriots’ pass rush has been nothing short of dominant to start the year. Last season, the team ranked near the bottom of the league in almost every pass-rush category. This year, however, New England has generated a 43.4% pressure rate — the sixth-highest in the NFL — while also leading the league with nine total sacks. Even more impressive, four different Patriots defenders have already recorded at least nine pressures; no other team has more than two.
The interior has been especially disruptive thanks to Milton Williams and Christian Barmore. Williams, in his first season with New England, has posted a 20.0% pressure rate — the second-highest among defensive tackles with at least 25 pass rushes. The former Super Bowl champion signed a four-year, $104 million contract in the offseason. His dominance isn’t new: last year with the Eagles, he led all defensive tackles with a 12.9% pressure rate (minimum 200 pass rushes).
Barmore, who suffered a serious injury last season, has picked up right where he left off, generating a 16.1% pressure rate — fifth-best among qualifying defensive tackles. When both are on the field together, offenses often try to double-team one of them, but the pocket usually collapses before quarterbacks can move through their reads.
If this level of disruption continues, the defense could give the offense enough support to keep the Patriots competitive week in and week out.
My name is Ben Belford-Peltzman and I am the creator and writer of The Patriots Beat. I am a 19-year kid who is an optimistic pessimist about the City of Champions. I started The Patriots Beat in August of 2022 and never expected to grow so much but here we are. Feel free to email Ben.BelfordPeltzman@gmail.com with any inquires.
