Boston Radio Hosts Rub Jahlani Tavai the Wrong Way

New England Patriots linebacker Jahlani Tavai made a radio appearance on Friday. He appeared as a guest on WEEI’s “The Greg Hill Show.” Unfortunately for both the hosts and their guest, the interview did not go smoothly. Tavai found himself on the receiving end of questions about the Patriots tackling and did not appear amused.

The segment began touching on several relevant topics. Tavai said he wasn’t aware of the Patriots traditionally struggling on the road in Miami. He praised Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s understanding of the offense and execution. Tavai said he did not realize Marcus Jones was going to play on offense in Week 11 against the Rams, but it was good to see him out there. The linebacker also responded to a question about the Patriots’ inconsistent pass rush, stating that New England needed to force more third downs.

Then, Jahlani Tavai was asked about the defense’s difficulties making tackles and things went off the rails a bit.

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Tavai Questioned About Tackling

“One of the other areas where this team has struggled a little bit this year is tackling,” began Greg Hill. “[Jermaine] Wiggins talks about it. Ty Law talks about it. I feel like if I’m going to say it about you, I ought to say it to you.

“So, you even struggled a little bit when it came to wrapping up on Sunday,” Hill continued, targeting his inquiry specifically at Tavai. “What is that in your mind when it comes to this defense?”

“What is what?” answered Jahlani Tavai.

“Um..” Hill began before being interrupted by cohost Jermaine Wiggins.

“Tackling. Is it a lack of effort?” asked Wiggins. “Is it a lack of what? Technique? Discipline? You know, I guess…”

“It’s a lack of not getting the guy down,” interrupted Tavai. “That it. If you think there’s a lack of effort I guess you haven’t been talking to the guys enough. We don’t like looking bad on TV. We don’t like looking bad in front of our coaches cause that puts us on the chopping board. So there’s no lack of anything it’s just a lack of not being able to get ’em down. It’s part of the game. We’re not the only professionals out there.

“As crappy as that sounds, you’re going to miss a few tackles here and there. That’s just part of the game. Running backs going to get…there’s going to be a lot of TFLs [tackles for a loss] in the game, so like if we’re on the offensive side it’s the same thing. There’s no lack of anything, we’re just not getting them down, that’s all.”

Host Amplifies Tavai’s Aggravation

“So tackling isn’t a problem?” came the response from cohost Chris Curtis. This was followed by six seconds of awkward silence, broken only by a dumbfounded gasp from Jahlani Tavai.

“Of course, tackling’s a problem if you’re not getting them down, that’s the issue,” said Tavai. “But I’m saying there’s no lack of effort. I take that personal when I hear that. So, when you say there’s a lack of effort then I know the effort the guys are giving. I know the effort and sacrifice they’re putting on the field.” Tavai then trailed off sounding dumbfounded and exasperated.

“I don’t necessarily think that anybody said ‘lack of effort’,” said Hill. “I think that we were just questioning, it’s seemed like, at times, that there’s been an issue when it comes to tackling.”

Hill went on to tell Tavai that Ty Law, Jermaine Wiggins, and Tom Brady had all brought up the tackling issue and stated he was not trying to offend him.

“It just comes down to getting the guy down,” said Tavai. “The way we do that and the way that we preach it is to just make sure that all 11 guys get to the ball.”

“So, that’s something that you guys have been really focused on this week?” followed up cohost Courtney Cox.

“That’s what we’ve been always focused on,” responded Tavai. He went on to explain that swarming to the ball and helping teammates has been a point of emphasis all season. He concluded the interview attempting to remain cordial.

Talking to the Wrong Guy?

Jahlani Tavai leads the New England Patriots with 75 tackles this season. Anfernee Jennings is second on the squad with 50. Tavai leads in solo tackles as well, with 41. Pro Football Focus credited the Patriots with seven missed tackles against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 11, though zero were given to Tavai. The players guilty of missed tackles, per PFF, were Kyle Dugger (three), Christian Elliss (two), Marcus Jones, and Jeremiah Pharms Jr.