Throughout the last few weeks, it’s been evident that the New England Patriots defense misses defensive lineman Milton Williams. Since the fifth-year veteran landed on the injured reserve with a high ankle sprain in their Week 11 victory against the New York Jets, the Patriots defense has taken a step back.
Before Williams had gone down, the Patriots were among one of the best teams against the run, allowing just 79.2 rushing yards a game. Without him, opposing teams have been running down the Patriots throats. Including the Jets game in which Williams played just eight snaps, the Patriots have allowed an atrocious 142 rushing yards per game, allowing a combined 339 rushing yards in the last two games alone.
While the Patriots have suffered numerous injuries during this stretch, the defense started to take a turn for the worse once Williams went down. Fortunately for Patriots fans, the team designated Williams for return from injured reserve on Tuesday, opening his 21-day window to be activated to the roster.
Milton Williams Has Been Invaluable to the Patriots Defense
Since signing a four-year, $104 million deal with the team in the offseason, Williams has become a vital asset to the Patriots. Despite missing four games, Williams is tied 21st in total pressures (35) among interior defenders, while also recording 3.5 sacks and 27 total tackles.
One of the reasons for signing Williams was to strengthen their pass rush. Last year, the Patriots struggled generating pressure on the quarterback, ranking last in sacks (28) and 30th in quarterback knockdown percentage (6.2%). With the addition of Williams, along with edge rushers Harold Landry III and K’Lavon Chaisson, the pass rushing unit has improved, ranking 23rd in sacks (30), and 19th in quarterback knockdown percentage (9%).
Although Williams’ 44.5 run defense grade per Pro Football Focus may indicate that he struggles against the run, the team’s recent performance against the run tells a different story. Williams’ seven tackles for loss, which are tied for third-most on the Patriots, display just how important his presence is to the team.
In his absence, the Patriots have relied on backups Cory Durden and Eric Gregory to fill his void. While both have done a fine job of holding their own, neither one has stood out or replicated a similar impact as Williams.
With Williams designated for return, not only does his return provide the Patriots a spark up front, it also helps take the pressure off of fellow defensive lineman Christian Barmore. Since Williams has been sidelined, Barmore has been tasked with generating pressure inside.
Although he’s been successful in doing so all season, tying 12th in total pressures (45) among interior defenders, he hasn’t been nearly as effective without Williams by his side.
For New England, it would be great if he can return this week against the Jets, with defensive linemen Khyiris Tonga and Joshua Farmer both out for the foreseeable future. Getting Williams back not only strengthens their defensive line but also increases their chances to make a deep postseason run, as without him, it would be far more difficult.