Milton Williams has decided the New England Patriots need a little more accountability up front, and he’s putting money behind it.
The defensive tackle said he’ll fine Patriots defenders $1,000 when they jump offsides, a move aimed at cleaning up a mistake he believes is costing the defense too much. Williams said the problem is that those penalties hand opponents easier downs and take away the chance for New England’s pass rush to do its job.
“We want to get teams in third-and-five-plus situations so we can go out there and rush. Jumping offsides is just giving them third-and-shorts so we can’t rush the passer. I mean, cuz I had a couple early in the season, and I feel like, we talked about it, but there’s not enough consequences that come with it, other than hurting the team.”
Williams’ message comes as the Patriots sit at 5-4 and head to Munich, Germany for a matchup with Dan Campbell’s 6-2 Detroit Lions, a game carrying major playoff implications. New England’s offense has also been in the spotlight, with key health updates involving AJ Brown and Rhamondre Stevenson.
Williams has the means to back up his pledge. He signed a four-year, $104 million contract with the Patriots in 2025. On the field, he has 21 tackles and a sack this season.
The Patriots’ defense has been led in tackles by linebacker Christian Elliss, who has 65, while linebacker Elijah Ponder leads the team in sacks with 7.5. They’ll be dealing with a Detroit offense powered by offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, quarterback Jared Goff and running back Jahmyr Gibbs.
Meanwhile, Drake Maye, who called out a clueless reporter over Stevenson, will have his hands full trying to keep pace with the Lions as the Patriots continue to deal with injury issues.
Williams’ push for stricter discipline arrives at a time when New England could use every edge it can find against one of the league’s top teams.
In Other News...
Patriots Suddenly Face A Bigger Problem Than Just The Lions
The Patriots head into Week 10 at 5-4 with more on their mind than just trying to slow down the Lions. After a rough defensive showing against the Packers, the focus inside the building has shifted to tightening up the details and finding a better rhythm across all three phases, especially as injuries and roster churn continue to test the depth chart.
DeMario Douglas said the sideline needs more energy and cohesion, a reminder that New England cannot afford to drift into disconnected football if it wants to stay in the mix. The margin for error is shrinking, and the Patriots know the rest of the season will depend on whether they can pull together and start playing the kind of complementary football that keeps games within reach. [Read more 🡒]
Patriots Offense Suddenly Has A Huge Munich Concern
The Patriots trip to Munich has picked up a little more uncertainty on the offensive side, with wide receiver A.J. Brown and running back Rhamondre Stevenson both landing on the injury report as questionable for Week 10 against the Lions. Brown is dealing with ankle and knee injuries after being limited in practice, while Stevenson is working through a knee issue of his own and was also limited. For a New England offense already trying to settle in on the road, the timing is less than ideal.
The team also ruled out three players and added several others to the questionable list, leaving the final game-day picture a bit murky as kickoff approaches. For the Patriots, the concern is not just who suits up, but how much of the offense they can count on if these key pieces are less than full strength in a game that already comes with the added wrinkle of playing in Munich. [Read more 🡒]
Patriots Can't Risk This A.J. Brown Decision Again
A.J. Browns return to practice has given the Patriots a much-needed lift, even if it has not yet answered the biggest question surrounding him. The three-time All-Pro receiver has missed multiple games this season because of a high-ankle sprain and knee issues, and while he traveled with the team for its Week 10 game in Germany, his availability remains uncertain.
For New England, the temptation to push Brown back into action is obvious. He is the kind of difference-maker that can change the shape of an offense and help keep playoff hopes alive, but the Patriots also know how quickly one injury can turn into another if they rush him before he is ready. After all the time he has already missed, this is the sort of decision that could matter well beyond one game. [Read more 🡒]