The New England Patriots have undergone a transformative offseason, bolstering their roster with key acquisitions to address the shortcomings of a lackluster 2024 campaign. Among the most significant additions is edge rusher Harold Landry III, a proven sack artist with a track record of excellence. Yet, despite his impressive resume, Landry has been met with an astonishing level of disrespect from analysts and media outlets. This narrative, bordering on the absurd, raises a critical question: who’s behind this campaign to undermine one of the Patriots’ biggest offseason wins, and why?
A Star Signing Met with Skepticism
When the Patriots signed Harold Landry to a three-year contract after his release from the Tennessee Titans, it was hailed as a coup for a team desperate to revitalize its pass rush. Landry, a former Pro Bowler, posted 71 tackles and nine sacks in 2024, adding to his tally of 31.5 sacks over his last three healthy seasons. His 2021 campaign, which saw him rack up 12 sacks under then-Titans coach Mike Vrabel, showcased his potential as a game-changer. With Vrabel now at the helm in New England, the reunion seemed like a match made in football heaven.
Yet, almost immediately, criticism began to surface. Some analysts questioned the Patriots’ decision to invest in Landry, dismissing him as a stopgap rather than a cornerstone. Others went further, with one particularly egregious oversight excluding him from a top-32 list of NFL edge rushers. For a player with Landry’s production—50.5 career sacks and consistent pressure on quarterbacks—this snub isn’t just disrespectful; it’s ludicrous.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
To understand the extent of this disrespect, let’s look at Landry’s performance. Over his last three healthy seasons (excluding 2022, when he missed the entire year due to a torn ACL), Landry has averaged 10.5 sacks per season. In 2024, his 71 tackles and nine sacks with the Titans demonstrated his ability to impact both the pass and run game. Compare this to other edge rushers ranked above him in various lists, many of whom have lower sack totals or less consistent production. The exclusion of Landry from top-tier rankings defies logic and suggests a deeper agenda.
Landry’s fit in New England’s defensive scheme under Vrabel further underscores his value. Vrabel, who coached Landry to his Pro Bowl season in 2021, knows how to maximize his skill set. The Patriots’ pass rush was abysmal in 2024, ranking among the league’s worst in sacks, pressures, and hurries. Landry’s arrival, alongside other additions like Milton Williams and K’Lavon Chaisson, is expected to transform the unit. Analysts like CBS Sports’ Tyler Sullivan have even predicted a return to Pro Bowl form for Landry, citing his familiarity with Vrabel’s system and the opportunity to thrive in Foxborough.
Who’s Pulling the Strings?
So, why the relentless criticism? Several factors could be at play. First, the Patriots’ dismal 2024 season may have cast a shadow over their offseason moves. A team that finished with one of the NFL’s worst records is an easy target for skepticism, and Landry, as a high-profile signing, becomes collateral damage in the broader narrative of doubt surrounding New England’s rebuild.
Second, there’s the possibility of regional bias. The Patriots, long a dominant force in the NFL, have been a lightning rod for criticism during their post-Tom Brady struggles. Some analysts and fanbases, particularly those in rival markets, may downplay New England’s moves to maintain a narrative of decline. Landry, as a key piece of the Patriots’ defensive overhaul, is an easy target for those looking to diminish the team’s prospects.
Finally, there’s the influence of click-driven media. Sensational headlines and hot takes generate traffic, and dismissing a player like Landry as overrated or past his prime fits neatly into that model. Lists that exclude him from the top 32 edge rushers aren’t based on objective analysis but rather on the need to provoke reactions. This isn’t about Landry’s performance—it’s about generating buzz, even if it means distorting reality.
Landry’s Response: Let the Play Do the Talking
If Landry is bothered by the disrespect, he isn’t showing it. By all accounts, he’s thriving in New England. During a recent appearance on The Bill O’Brien Podcast, Vrabel noted a renewed energy in Landry, describing him as “excited to be back” with familiar coaches and teammates. Landry himself has spoken candidly about the positive culture in Foxborough, a stark contrast to the turmoil that plagued the Patriots’ locker room in 2024.
On the field, Landry is focused on refining his craft. During the Patriots’ voluntary offseason program, he worked closely with assistant coach Mike Smith, drawing parallels between pass rushing and pitching in baseball. This emphasis on technique and power bodes well for a player already known for his relentless motor and ability to disrupt offenses.
The Bigger Picture: A Defense on the Rise
Landry’s signing is just one piece of a broader defensive overhaul. The Patriots spent heavily in free agency, adding defensive tackle Milton Williams, linebacker Robert Spillane, and cornerback Carlton Davis to a unit that ranked 30th in EPA per play in 2024. With Christian Barmore cleared to return after missing most of last season due to blood clots, and young talents like Keion White and rookie Joshua Farmer in the mix, New England’s defense has the potential to be one of the most improved in the NFL.
The pass rush, however, will be the linchpin. As analyst Greg Davenport noted, the success of this unit hinges on players like Landry stepping up. If he can replicate his 2021 form—or even approach it—the Patriots could climb into the top half of the league in defensive efficiency. The disrespect directed at Landry, then, isn’t just a slight against him; it’s a dismissal of New England’s entire defensive project.
Time to Set the Record Straight
The 2025 season can’t come soon enough for Harold Landry and the Patriots. With a favorable schedule and a revamped roster, New England has a chance to silence the doubters. Landry, in particular, is poised to make a statement. Whether it’s chasing down quarterbacks, stuffing the run, or mentoring younger players like Bradyn Swinson, he has the tools to prove his critics wrong.
As for those pulling the strings behind the disrespect? They’ll have to answer for their takes when Landry takes the field. The Patriots’ superstar isn’t just fighting for personal redemption—he’s carrying the hopes of a franchise looking to reclaim its place among the NFL’s elite. And if history is any indication, betting against a motivated Patriot is a dangerous game.