Mike Vrabel Shares High Praise For Patriots D-Tackle Playing Both Ways

The vibes are high around the New England Patriots, and that was once again evident at head coach Mike Vrabel’s Tuesday afternoon press conference.

He started his time at the podium joking with the crowd before providing a very redacted injury update.

When asked about the performance of 29-year-old defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga, Vrabel jumped at the opportunity to praise the first-year Patriot, who is playing on both sides of the football.

“I appreciate all of you guys that do — or have done– reports on him or highlight him any possible way,” Vrabel began. “That’s a guy that plays on three phases. Helps us win defensively, helps us win offensively, and then goes out there and stands in the way of three guys on a field goal protection unit.”

Tonga was a massive part of the defensive game plan for New England in the first ten weeks of the season. Behind star defensive tackles Milton Williams and Christian Barmore, Tonga has logged the third most snaps played for the defensive tackle unit.

He was the highest-graded player on New England’s defense in Sunday’s win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to Pro Football Focus.

When discussing the decision to give Tonga a role on offense last week, Vrabel said it was a “group decision.”

“Just trying to look at the way we are constructed … needed a little bit of bigger size in there — try to push the pile and get a little bit of movement,” Vrabel said. “I think he does a nice job at it too; he’s got a good feel for it. Helped us in the short yardage at Atlanta, and he helped us last week.

“I know that if asked and called upon, he’ll be willing to help us again.”