Patriots Poach Intriguing Defense Star in Stunning Move. The New England Patriots have signed linebacker Titus Leo from the Indianapolis Colts‘ practice squad. This move comes as Jerod Mayo’s defense gains attention, especially with growing optimism surrounding rookie quarterback Drake Maye.
On Tuesday, the Patriots revealed they had added Leo, who has been with the Colts since 2023. The former Wagner College standout is considered a promising prospect and will bolster a Patriots defense that has started to show more consistency in recent weeks.
The New England Patriots are improving every week under Jerod Mayo
Titus Leo, a Brooklyn native, has spent his life in the Tri-state area. Standing 6’3″ and weighing 245 pounds, Leo was a key defensive player at Wagner College. During his college career, he earned the NEC Defensive Player of the Year title twice and was named a first-team FCS All-American. In his senior year, Leo recorded 52 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, with the 211th overall pick.
Under first-year head coach Jerod Mayo, the New England Patriots‘ defense has experienced a rollercoaster season. Currently, the Patriots allow 22.5 points per game, ranking 18th in the league. However, the defense has shown growth, particularly in a dominant 19-3 win over the Chicago Bears. Despite facing challenges, the defense has remained strong, often compensating for a struggling offense.
On offense, rookie quarterback Drake Maye is making strides, ranking 13th in the NFL in QBR. However, New England’s offense is still underperforming, averaging just 16.5 points per game, the third-lowest in the league. Their passing attack is particularly weak, ranking last in the league with only 165.9 yards per game.
Though the Patriots sit at a 3-8 record, they have been more competitive in recent weeks, as shown by their surprising win over the New York Jets. But the remaining schedule presents a tough challenge. The Patriots will face playoff-contending teams like the Miami Dolphins, Indianapolis Colts, Arizona Cardinals, Los Angeles Chargers, and Buffalo Bills. These teams are all motivated and will view the games against New England as winnable.
While a playoff berth is unlikely for the Patriots this season, Jerod Mayo is focused on building a strong foundation for the future. With young players like Titus Leo joining the defense, there are signs of a new era for the team. Although they’re far from the dynasty they once were, the Patriots are beginning to show flashes of a promising future that fans can look forward to.
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