Do Patriots Have ‘Championship-Level’ Defense? Milton Williams Believes So
Milton Williams knows what a championship-caliber defense looks like.
After all, the first-year Patriot defensive tackle was part of one last season as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles. Williams, who has won each of his last six playoff games, believes the current group in New England has the same ceiling.
“Yes, definitely,” Williams said after the Patriots forced five turnovers and recorded five sacks in a 28-16 victory over the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium on Sunday.
The Patriots will travel to the Denver Broncos for the AFC Championship Game on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET.
Why does Williams feel that way?
“We got dogs on every level of our team,” Williams responded. “Everybody’s doing their job at a high level. We’re all on a string, the communication, everything is just working together. Our coaches are putting us in position to make plays. We’re just executing at a high level.”
Against offenses led by Chargers star quarterback Justin Herbert and 2023 Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud, the Patriots have allowed one touchdown in two playoff games. And that touchdown by Houston was a product of a six-play, 27-yard possession after New England’s offense fumbled the ball away.
Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel complimented the multi-phased effort.
“They’re playing well together,” Vrabel said. “I feel like they’re complementing each other, and our turnovers are created by more than one guy.”
New England is one win away from Super Bowl LX, largely because the defense has propelled them to consecutive playoff wins.