When opposing offenses begin preparing for the New England Patriots’ defense, No. 97 is typically atop the scouting report.
After signing a four-year, $104 million contract with the Patriots last offseason, Milton Williams went on to put together a career season. Despite missing six games due to injury, the 27-year-old recorded a career-high 59 pressures while adding 3.0 sacks in the playoffs alone.
Other teams took notice, as Williams’ double-team rate has gone up to start this season.
“I always say,
‘It costs to be the boss,’” he said. “That’s the price of doing business in the NFL, getting paid and being one of the guys that, you know, I’m probably either first, second, or third on a scouting report each and every week. You play the New England Patriots, it’s like, ‘Alright, we start with 97 and go from there.’”
Defensive coordinator Zak Kuhr has seen the increased attention as well.
“I would agree with you on that, of them sliding to him or double teaming him — wherever it may be,” Kuhr said.
Although Williams has continued to find ways to impact games, the extra attention contributed to a slower start than he would have liked as he recorded just six pressures through the first four games.
“I feel like the first couple weeks I was in my own head about it,” Williams said. “You know, making excuses instead of just going out there and just playing. So that’s what I’m focused on now, going out there playing and affecting the game anyway. If I got double team, three people whatever it is. Just figure out a way to make an impact and try to win.”
As Kuhr and the defensive staff have worked to create more favorable matchups for Williams, the defensive tackle has searched for answers of his own.
That has included studying fellow defensive tackles who consistently face double teams around the league, including star Aaron Donald.
“Win quicker. Beat the first guy and then be ready to throw a second move when the next guy come,” Williams said. “It’s tough when they both get on you at once, but if one come, beat him. If they come on different levels, it’s a little easier.”
That work began to pay off in last week’s win over the Las Vegas Raiders, when Williams recorded a season-high six pressures.
Now, Williams will look to build on that performance and continue finding ways to be a disruptive force along the Patriots’ defensive line.
“This is what I work for,” Williams said. “This is what I prayed for, the opportunity to be in this position. I just got to take advantage of it.”
