How Deatrich Wise Turned Into an Every-Down Player for the Patriots Defense

The last time the Patriots had a defensive lineman play over 78 percent of the defensive snaps was back in the 2015 season.

New England had two defensive ends surpass the threshold eight seasons ago, but since then, the Pats have typically used a rotation to keep their defensive linemen fresh and in hyper-specific roles.

In last week’s loss to the Ravens, defensive end Deatrich Wise became the first Patriot to record three sacks in a game since one of those two full-timers in the 2015 season, Chandler Jones, who had a three-sack performance against the Bills also in late September.

After rotating in as primarily a situational pass-rusher in his first five seasons, Wise has been on the field for 82.1 percent of New England’s defensive snaps through three games. According to Pro Football Focus, Wise is the second-highest graded Patriot defender (80.9), leads the team in pass-rush win rate on true pass sets (32.3%), and has a team-high nine run stops.

By developing into a more well-rounded player, Wise is now an every-down defender and is blossoming into a difference maker. The Pats defensive end who routinely beats all his teammates to the facility during the week was also named a team captain this season.

“Being disruptive on the field, that’s what he’s doing. It’s always great to see guys who work so hard, and you know they put in the work, have success. It’s always great to see that,” Patriots defensive line coach DeMarcus Covington said earlier this week.

“He does a good job in all areas. Film study, on the practice field, in the classroom, with his teammates, recovery, and taking care of his body. He does all the necessary stuff to be his best on game day. Since he came in as a rookie, he has been a first in the building, last guy to leave, first guy to the practice field, last guy to leave the practice field. That’s who he is, that’s in his DNA, and anyone you ask will say that’s Deatrich Wise.”

As a tone-setter for the Patriots defense, Wise is embracing his role…