What Patriots Assistant ‘Appreciates’ About Preseason Standout

There often isn't much to analyze during NFL preseason, but the rare cases offer a chance for unknown players to make a statement.

Questions arose about the Patriots pass rush due to Matthew Judon's uncertain future in New England and Christian Barmore's indefinite absence due to blood clots.

Jeremiah Pharms Jr. provided a lot of optimism for fans with his preseason performance against the Carolina Panthers last Thursday. The 27-year-old was a standout in the USFL but primarily was on the practice squad in his first two seasons with the Patriots. However, in his first preseason, he went out and recorded four tackles, including one sack, and was a force against the opposing quarterback. It was exactly what coaches saw from him on the practice field.

"He's a guy you appreciate so much because he comes out every day. He works on the things that you ask him to do and it transitions from practice to the game," defensive line coach Jerry Montgomery told reporters. "He's been great to coach, and he does a phenomenal job. I'm just excited about what he's doing each and every day. He's still got room to grow, and he's working on that every day."

Montgomery highlighted Pharms as a "plug-and-play" player and noted his versatility to play at multiple spots on the defensive line. Defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington said there is a "next-man-up mentality" for the Patriots that will be needed for the rest of the preseason.

"That goes back to last year, too. He took advantage of every opportunity he had last year, and he's doing the same thing right now," Covington told reporters. "He's the guy that needs to help fill the void for Christian."

Pharms will see more opportunities to shine this week when the Philadelphia Eagles come to town for joint practice Tuesday and an exhibition matchup Thursday.