Foxborough — The New England Patriots are heading into the 2026 season with a clear message for their defensive front: dominate every snap. At Sunday’s training camp session, defensive tackles Milton Williams and Christian Barmore showcased the intensity and impact that the team hopes will carry their defense to new heights this season.

Barmore, standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 315 pounds, emphasized the importance of the defensive line setting the tone. “Our goal is really just to set the tone every time we out here,” he said following practice. “The whole defense follows the D line. Every time we’re out there, we expect to dominate. It doesn’t matter if it’s run or pass — our mission is to dominate every play.”

Williams and Barmore were instrumental in the Patriots’ defensive success last year, both putting up strong statistics. Barmore finished with 29 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 11 quarterback hits, and 2 sacks, while Williams recorded 29 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 8 quarterback hits, and 3½ sacks. Their presence contributed to the Patriots limiting opposing running backs to fewer than 50 yards rushing through the first nine weeks of the 2025 season, helping New England finish fourth in the league in points allowed.

Veteran safety Kevin Byard stressed the crucial role the defensive tackles play in the overall performance of the defense. “Those big guys up front — Barmore and Milton — have the ability to stop the run and generate a strong pass rush. They set the tone for our defense and make the secondary’s job easier,” Byard said. “We have talented players at every level, but it all starts with those big guys inside.”

Both Williams and Barmore expressed aspirations to elevate the defense beyond last year’s achievements. Williams noted the team’s goal to improve from being a top defense to becoming the league’s number-one scoring defense. “We’ve got to turn the page,” Williams said. “This league is about what you do lately. We want to be the best defense in the league. We have to work every day to get there.”

Barmore echoed the sentiment, adding that the coaching staff consistently reminds the group to keep pushing. “We’ve got to keep grinding,” he said. “Our goal is to be one of the best defenses in the league and the number-one scoring defense.”

Coach Mike Vrabel has encouraged Barmore to focus on converting pressures into sacks, an area the defensive tackle acknowledged he wants to improve. Barmore had 8½ sacks and 16 quarterback hits in 2023 but faltered slightly last year in finishing plays. “I missed a couple sacks last year, and I’ve got to work on that,” Barmore said. “When I beat the guy, I have to have good balance and timing, and just finish the play.”

Barmore has drawn inspiration from Patriots legend Vince Wilfork, with whom he has developed a mentorship connection. Wilfork has encouraged him to reliably set the tone from the defensive line each game. “He just gets me fired up every time,” Barmore said. “He’s one of the best players ever to play the game. When he texts me or reaches out, it’s a blessing.”

As the Patriots prepare for the upcoming season, much of the team’s defensive optimism rests on the continued development and dominance of Williams and Barmore along the defensive front. Their ability to lead and elevate the unit could prove vital in the team’s pursuit of defensive excellence in 2026.