This is Pharms’ third season with the Patriots. After spending 2022 on the practice squad, he developed enough in 2023 that he was promoted to the active 53-man roster in October. He played just 90 total snaps over 12 games last season, but still set the stage for what has been a solid training camp this summer.
Against the Panthers, Pharms stood out like never before, helping set the tone for the defense with a disruptive performance while playing 22 snaps.
“Anytime he steps foot on the field, he takes advantage of that opportunity,” said Jerod Mayo following the game. “His story is remarkable, a guy just on the street. He was here, we moved him to fullback. He played defensive tackle, he played guard, he played all those positions. When you find a player that just loves the game of football, no matter what the coach asks him to do, it’s a great player, in my mind. And Pharms displays that.”
“Hard work works, that’s one of our sayings here,” said Pharms in the locker room following the game. “We’ll continue to do that and I’m going to continue to work hard and not get satisfied with today.”
The defense could use a player like Pharms. After losing Christian Barmore for an indefinite amount of time, coupled with the offseason departure of long-time pillar Lawrence Guy, and there are roles available along the defensive line, especially for someone who can impact the passer like Pharms did on his nine-yard sack against the Panthers.
This coming week, against a respected Philadelphia Eagles offensive line, Pharms will have plenty of chances to build off his solid start and show what he can against some of the league’s best blockers.