Giardi: Burning questions for the Patriots defense entering training camp - Boston Sports Journal

What the report says

Boston Sports Journal’s Mike Giardi previewed New England Patriots training camp by focusing on unresolved issues for the defense, with coaches returning Monday, quarterbacks and rookies due midweek, and the full roster scheduled to report Friday before the first practice Saturday. Although New England is coming off a Super Bowl appearance and has added talent, Giardi wrote that the defense still has several questions to answer before the 2026 season.

The first concern is the edge group. Head coach Mike Vrabel publicly said in June that he liked the unit, citing additions and development from players such as Dre’Mont Jones, Elijah Ponder, Bradyn Swinson and Jesse Luketa. Giardi, however, noted uncertainty around second-round pick Gabe Jacas, who remains unsigned in the article’s account and had a spring procedure. He also pointed to Harold Landry’s recovery from knee surgery and questioned whether Jones is a full pass-rush replacement for K’Lavon Chaisson, even if Jones may help more against the run.

Giardi also examined whether the signing of veteran safety Kevin Byard could alter the secondary’s usage. He expects Byard, nearing 33, to operate largely as a deep safety whose instincts help limit explosive plays, while second-year safety Craig Woodson could be better suited closer to the line of scrimmage or attacking from zone looks.

A broader question is how defensive coordinator Zak Kuhr will approach pass defense. Giardi reported that New England struggled to create steady pressure with four rushers last season, finished with 35 sacks and leaned more heavily on blitzing late in the year and playoffs. The key issue, he wrote, is whether improved edge play allows the Patriots to avoid relying on that level of aggressiveness again.