NFL Writer Identifies One Concern That Could Sink Patriots’ Super Bowl Hopes

As the New England Patriots head into the playoffs, there’s plenty to be optimistic about. However, concerns linger regarding an injury to their standout defensive tackle, Milton Williams.

Williams suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 11 and returned for the first time in New England’s game against the Miami Dolphins in Week 18. Since Williams missed over six weeks of action, there is still a chance he won’t be 100% in the postseason, and CBS Sports’ JP Acosta thinks Williams’ health could be a reason the Patriots don’t win the Super Bowl.

“If there’s anything that has stood out aside from Drake Maye-nia this season for New England, it’s that Milton Williams was worth every dollar the Patriots paid him,” Acosta wrote on Friday. “He finished with a 12.6% Pressure Rate, third in the NFL among DTs behind teammate Christian Barmore and the Titans’ Jeffrey Simmons and that was even while missing games with a high ankle sprain.

“That ankle sprain is also why I have a little bit of concern for the Patriots, however. Per TruMedia, with Williams on the field, the Patriots have almost a 62% Defensive Success Rate on the ground, give up 1.13 Yards before Contact per rush and 0.06 defensive EPA per play.”

New England signed Williams to a four-year, $104 million contract this offseason after spending his first four seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Williams played a crucial role in the Eagles’ Super Bowl victory last season and is now eager to contribute significantly to the Patriots’ chance of winning this year’s Vince Lombardi Trophy.