Patriots DT Doing Whatever It Takes to Win

Ahead of play against the Atlanta Falcons, one member of the New England Patriots is finally getting the attention he deserves.

Khyiris Tonga of the Patriots' field goal team is the last lineman on the edge of the protection in a conventional tight end spot. During Week 8 against the Cleveland Browns, the Browns loaded up over Tonga for a field goal block as time expired in the first half. The defensive tackle held his ground long enough before eventually giving way to three Cleveland rushers, and allowed rookie placekicker Andy Borregales’ kick to sail through the uprights.

To those who pay special attention on field goals, its is becoming quite clear that a pattern is developing in opposing teams often sending in two or three rushers at the corner of protection in an effort to potentially block a kick from Borregales.

Khyiris Tonga Willing To Risk it All for Win Over Atlanta

Patriots' special teams coordinator Jeremy Springer recently said Tonga embraces his role on the roster to the fullest extent, while also implying he deserves more credit than given.

“It’s a thankless job to say the least,” Springer said to Chris Mason of MassLive on Thursday afternoon. "[But] he embraces it. He comes out every single time and wants to be on the unit. That shows you the kind of kid he is. You’re never going to get talked about playing that position, to be honest, and he doesn’t care. He wants to win. He wants to win for the team. And that’s why he’s on that unit.”

Tonga was signed by the Patriots as an unrestricted free agent on March 14, 2025. He was originally a seventh-round draft selection by Chicago after playing four seasons at BYU.

Nov 13, 2022; Orchard Park, New York, USA;Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga (95) against the Buffalo Bills in the fourth quarter at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images | Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

In college, he appeared in 50 career games, totaling 130 tackles, 7 1/2 sacks, 12 passes defensed and two forced fumbles.

The defensive tackle has currently posted 103 total tackles and one fumble recovery across his five years in the league.

It has also been recently reported that the entire Pats' coaching staff has been impressed with Tonga's willingness to fly under the radar while still putting in the hard work.

“You’re pretty much just giving yourself up to sacrifice for the team,” Springer said. “That’s that position. It’s a tough one to play. You’ve gotta have good feet. You’ve gotta have good power. You’ve gotta be able to sit down in a chair (as a blocker)," Jeremy Springer said of Khyiris Tonga. "You’ve gotta be able to take on (blockers) and die a slow death sometimes and get hit like that.”

With Tonga's protection, Borregales has gone eight for eight in his field goals over the last five games.

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