There was a pretty big absence along the Patriots defensive line to start Sunday's 32-13 win over the Cleveland Browns, as defensive tackle Christian Barmore was benched for the first quarter. New England head coach Mike Vrabel confirmed the benching after the victory, but didn't reveal why Barmore started the game on the sideline.

Whatever the reason, Vrabel said it's all water under the bridge at this point.

"I just had to make a decision. My job is to protect the team," Vrabel said following Sunday's victory. "So when there are actions that I don't feel like are commensurate with what we want to do here, I've got to make a decision. And we move on."

The 26-year-old Barmore didn't speak with reporters after Sunday's game, but he still had an impact over the final 45 minutes of the con

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