Patriots DT Milton Williams Confirms Pats Defense Was Motivated By Lack Of Respect In Texans Game

Patriots quarterback Drake Maye has emerged as an MVP candidate in just his second NFL season, and his rapid rise has been a major storyline in New England’s run to the AFC Championship Game. However, Sunday’s 28–16 win over the Texans highlighted that Maye has not carried the team alone, especially in a game where he committed three turnovers. Although, I personally would cut him slack on the Hail Mary pick in the end zone to end the half.

The Patriots defense played a dominant role against Houston, forcing five turnovers, sacking quarterback C.J. Stroud three times, and limiting the Texans to just 48 rushing yards. Defensive tackle Milton Williams emphasized after the game that the unit has been overlooked throughout the season, noting that the defense took the matchup personally and viewed it as a battle of defenses.

Williams explained that the Patriots’ mindset each week is to dominate by creating turnovers, stopping the run, and creating more opportunities for the Patriots' offense. Against the Texans, that approach paid off in a big way, helping secure the win despite offensive miscues.

“It definitely fueled the whole defense. Nobody has been talking about our defense all year. We’ll see what they say today,” Williams said. “Every week, we’re trying to come out and dominate, knowing that they do have a great defense, but in our minds, it was our defense versus their defense. See who could make more plays, create more turnovers, stop the run and get the ball back to our offense.”

Looking ahead to the AFC Championship Game, the spotlight will again fall on the Patriots defense. With Denver expected to start backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham, New England’s ability to disrupt the Broncos’ offense could be the key factor in earning a trip to the Super Bowl on January 25.