K'Lavon Chaisson's resurgence in New England reached a new high in Week 7, as the sixth-year edge rusher was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week following his most productive game of the season in the Patriots' 27-10 win over the Titans.
Chaisson recorded two sacks and recovered a fumble for a touchdown, helping spark a dominant defensive effort that kept Tennessee off the scoreboard in the second half. It was the first two-sack game and first touchdown of Chaisson's career. The former first-round pick now has 4.5 sacks on the season, just a half sack shy of his career high of 5.0, set last year with the Raiders.
Signed to a one-year deal this offseason, Chaisson has been a key contributor along the defensive line, with his speed and explosiveness proving to be a perfect fit in head coach Mike Vrabel's remade Patriots defense. He currently ranks 15th among edge defenders in ESPN’s pass rush win rate, a testament to his consistent disruption off the edge.
Chaisson's ascendance has been years in the making. Drafted 20th overall by Jacksonville in 2020, he bounced between roles and teams before landing in New England this offseason. He made an immediate impression on Vrabel this summer during training camp, which earned Chaisson a role as gameday captain in the season opener against the Raiders.
"I think that's probably a good way to look at it," Vrabel said when asked about Chaisson's late-career emergence. "It takes some players a little longer than it takes others, and I would say that I'm hopeful that his best football is in front of him. I'm very excited about how he came in personality-wise and what he's shown on the field thus far."
Chaisson's emergence has helped stabilize a Patriots edge group that includes Keion White, Harold Landry III, and veteran Anfernee Jennings. With his confidence growing and production spiking, Chaisson is on track for the best season of his career and perhaps a long-term role in New England.
