In a rush to generate more heat on QBs, Joe Kim has been a welcome addition for Patriots

FOXBOROUGH — The most important addition to the Patriots’ pass rush this season? It could very well be a Taekwondo master.

Joe Kim, who has worked with Bill Belichick in Cleveland, was brought in this offseason to work as what the team is calling a pass-rush consultant. Over the course of the first week-plus of camp, he’s been a regular presence before, during and after practice, and has made a good impression on just about everyone he’s worked with.


“It’s good stuff,” defensive lineman Adam Butler said of Kim’s approach.

New England’s defensive linemen line up before the start of practice and run through a series of hand-fighting drills at half-speed. They’ll check in with Kim throughout practice on technique. And after the session is done, you’ll frequently see some of them working with Kim — after Tuesday’s steamy practice, Deatrich Wise spent roughly 30 minutes going through a series of moves with Kim against a goal-post in the far corner of the practice field, and said afterward he can feel the tweaks starting to pay off.

“Most definitely,” said Wise. “I feel like the stuff he’s teaching us is slowly becoming part of all of our game. We’re still figuring our stuff right now, But I feel like once people watch the film, watch the game, you’ll see it working.”

According to many of the linemen, Kim’s emphasis can be seen in several areas. While a background in Taekwondo would suggest an emphasis on hand fighting, multiple players say there’s more to it than hand work. It also includes balance, stance, body positioning, and technique. Working with defensive line coach Brendan Daly and consultant Bret Bielema, Kim guides the defensive linemen on how to get after the passer.

Wise said he’s already had a chance to incorporate some of Kim’s tips into his own game, and it’s paid off.