FOXBOROUGH — Eight weeks into the season, the Patriots have yet to allow an opposing running back to hit the 50-yard mark.
Quinshon Judkins was the latest to get shut down, as the Browns running back only picked up 19 yards on 9 carries before exiting Sunday’s game with a shoulder injury. Following New England’s 32-13 win, defensive tackle Milton Williams said stopping the run was a point of emphasis.
“They lean on their run game,” Williams said at his locker. “We wanted to make sure we took care of that today. I think we did a pretty good job with that.”
As the Patriots sit 6-2 riding a five-game winning streak, where has Williams seen the defense grow the most?
“I think we definitely have gotten closer since training camp,” Williams said. “Just consistently being around each other and getting the communication down. I feel like our communication is getting better and better. Our togetherness is improving every week. I think that’s important when you’re building a defense.”
Despite the lopsided victory, Williams still believed there was plenty of room for growth on the defensive line.
“We did our job, I just feel like as a d-line we can do more to affect the game,” Williams said. “Maybe I’ve got high standards… but it’s better to win the game and learn than lose, so I’m glad we got the win.
“We were solid today, but I think I’m just a perfectionist or something. Something might be wrong with me. I just feel like we could have done more. We could have affected the game more.”
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