Pats Pulpit
Barmore dropped weight in his return from blood clots.
As Christian Barmore continues to make his return from the blood clot issues that helped him to just four games last season, the New England Patriots have a plan put in place.
On Thursday, that led to the defensive tackle not participating in team drills and instead working off on the side field before taking part in conditioning drills. It’s all part of the process in having Barmore back in the trenches come the season opener.
“I feel really good, man,” Barmore said Thursday. “I feel back to myself, feel back to normal. Just really happy, man.”
While getting health this offseason, Barmore also slimmed down to between 300 and 305 pounds compared to the 320-325 pounds he played at two seasons ago. The dropped weight stemmed from plenty of conditioning, ladder drills, flexibility training, and changes in his diet.
“I feel real better. I feel so faster, lighter, and I feel way quicker. And I feel like I move way better,” Barmore said. “It’s the best I’ve felt moving since I’ve been in the league. I feel really well.”
Barmore said the decision behind the weight loss was a joint one behind him and the team — with new Director of Sports Performance Frank Piraino, who closely observed Barmore throughout his Thursday workout, leading the plan.
“As a man, it’s my decision. And their decision. I’m following their rules too,” Barmore said. “Just working hard with Coach Frank too. He’s got a good plan for me. Just having me in the best shape as possible. These coaches I have and the medical staff are just really good people helping me put me in the best possible shape that I’m supposed to be in, and I’m really grateful for that.”
While Barmore would not admit if that the slimmer version of himself will benefit him in the Patriots’ new aggressive front, the change should only help him get after opposing quarterbacks.
New England is hoping that the new-look Barmore can return to his 2023 form in which he tallied career-highs in sacks, pressures, and run stops en route to signing a four-year, $92 million extension.
And now paired up with free agent addition Milton Williams, the duo — along with an edge group of Keion White, Harold Landry, and K’Lavon Chaisson — is ready to anchor a talented Patriots defense.
“It’s all about a dominating front. That’s what we talk about,” Barmore said. “Jean on us, especially the whole D-line, linebackers and D-ends, everybody. If the front play great, everybody play good. So every time we’re on that field, we’ve got to dominate. That’s our goal.”
“We’ve got a lot of dawgs on this field. I just love it. The energy is high, and I love it.”
