Pats Pulpit
As the New England Patriots took the field last Sunday, they did so without star defensive tackle Christian Barmore for the entire first quarter.
After the game, head coach Mike Vrabel confirmed the decision to sit Barmore, suggesting it was made for disciplinary reasons. Speaking for the first time since on Wednesday, Barmore was asked what led to the benching.
“I’ve moved on. Next question,” Barmore said. “Let’s focus on the Falcons.”
He later added, “It ain’t nothing. It ain’t nothing. We’re just focused on the Falcons. Focused on the Falcons.”
Barmore eventually took the field in the second quarter and went on to play 30 defensive snaps — consistent with his typical workload. He made his presence felt, finishing with eight quarterback pressures as the Patriots rolled to a 32-13 win over the Browns.
“I had to make a decision,” Vrabel said after the game. “My job is to protect the team, so when there’s actions that I don’t feel like are [in line] with what we want to do here, I’ve got to make a decision, and we move on.”
When asked if there was anything he could take away from the situation, Barmore said: “It’s always about growing. It’s always about playing the way you’re supposed to be playing, how the coaches want us to play.”
Despite the discipline, Barmore emphasized that his relationship with Vrabel remains strong.
“That’s my guy,” Barmore said. “Of course.”
