Sunday, onlookers were treated to some head-to-head battles between Wilfork and the Patriots' offensive linemen, most notably his work against another top-tier player in guard Logan Mankins.
After practice, Mankins talked to reporters about what its like going up against a beastly Wilfork rep after rep.
“To win against Vince, you have to do everything right in 1 on 1s," Mankins said, via Mike Reiss of ESPN Boston. "He’s all-go, straight-forward, a big strong man. If you don’t do it right, he’s just going to push you back. If you don’t get your hands in the right spot, it’s over for you.
"It makes you really focus on your technique.”
Wilfork is one of the Patriots' clear-cut team leaders, and much of that is by example. The 325-pound defender was on the field for 1,041 of New England's 1,272 defensive snaps last season, according to Pro Football Focus.
In nine pro seasons, Wilfork has racked up 326 tackles, 16 sacks, 21 passes defensed, two interceptions, five forced fumbles, 12 fumble recoveries and a touchdown. But numbers aside, Wilfork's presence and ability to draw extra blockers is his biggest contribution to the defensive front.
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