Harold Landry's New Approach to Pass Rushing

Harold Landry III, the newly signed edge rusher for the New England Patriots, is taking a unique approach to refining his pass rush skills. Drawing inspiration from baseball, Landry is focusing on making his initial moves indistinguishable, much like a pitcher's delivery. This strategy aims to keep offensive tackles guessing and improve the Patriots' defensive performance in the 2025 NFL season.

Learning from the Best

During the Patriots' voluntary offseason program, assistant coach Mike Smith compared Landry's pass rush to a pitcher's delivery. "You want to make everything look the same so the tackle doesn't know what's coming," Smith advised. Landry has embraced this philosophy, working diligently to perfect his techniques.

A Promising Defensive Lineup

Landry, alongside fellow edge rusher Keion White and defensive tackles Milton Williams and Christian Barmore, forms a formidable defensive line. Head coach Mike Vrabel envisions this unit playing "on the opposite side of the line of scrimmage," a key goal for the Patriots' defense.

A Full-Circle Moment

Landry's journey has come full circle with the Patriots. He recently reconnected with Paul Pasqualoni, his former defensive line coach at Boston College, who played a pivotal role in his development. Pasqualoni's pro-like coaching approach significantly enhanced Landry's skills during his college years.

A New Chapter in New England

After seven seasons with the Tennessee Titans, Landry signed a three-year, $43.5 million contract with the Patriots. He is excited about this new opportunity and is determined to make a significant impact. "I'm just trying to play my ass off," Landry said, expressing his enthusiasm for the upcoming season.

Building a Strong Team Culture

Landry is also focused on fostering a positive team culture. "I feel like we're building a great culture here right now," he noted. By taking it one day at a time and encouraging everyone to buy in, Landry believes the Patriots have the potential to achieve something special in 2025.

Other Key Observations from OTAs

• Drake Maye's Progress: Quarterback Drake Maye showed resilience after throwing four interceptions in practice, completing seven of his next eight passes.
• Christian Gonzalez's Pilates Regimen: Cornerback Christian Gonzalez has incorporated Pilates into his workout routine, enhancing his flexibility and strength.
• Morgan Moses' Recovery: Veteran right tackle Morgan Moses is recovering from offseason knee surgery and is pacing his return to full-team drills.

Conclusion

Harold Landry's dedication to refining his pass rush techniques and his commitment to building a strong team culture are set to make him a key player for the New England Patriots in the 2025 NFL season. With a promising defensive lineup and a renewed sense of purpose, the Patriots are poised for a successful campaign.