The New England Patriots went from a 4-13 record to the Super Bowl in Mike Vrabel’s first season, powered in large part by one of the NFL’s top defenses. This year has been more challenging. At 5-4, New England is coming off a 45-27 home loss to the Green Bay Packers, while costly mistakes continue to mount.
Defensive tackle Milton Williams is addressing one recurring issue with a team penalty of his own: He says players will be fined $1,000 whenever they are flagged for jumping offside or encroachment. Williams said the money will go to the Patriots’ support staff at the end of the season.
## Williams Sets a Consequence for Offside Penalties
“I put in fines this week — $1,000 fine for whoever jumps offside,” Williams said. “I had a couple early, early in the season. And I feel like we talk about it, but it’s not enough consequences to come with it other than hurting the team. So hurt your pockets.”
The frustration follows a string of defensive-line penalties. Patriots defenders were called for seven offside infractions in the past two games: four in a 24-19 win over the Miami Dolphins and three in the loss to Green Bay.
Williams has acknowledged that he committed some of the early-season infractions himself, suggesting the rule applies to him as well. The defensive tackle joined New England in free agency after winning a Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles. His four-year, $104 million contract included $51 million guaranteed and made him the highest-paid player in Patriots history at the time.
## Patriots’ Defense Has Room to Improve
Penalties are one part of a broader defensive challenge. Entering Week 9, New England ranked 11th in DVOA, 15th in scoring defense and 16th in EPA per play. That marked a decline from last season, when the Patriots ranked fourth in scoring defense and allowed 18.8 points per game.
Green Bay scored 45 points at Gillette Stadium, while New England also had to overcome mistakes against Miami. The Patriots trailed 13-3 at halftime after the Dolphins closed the first half with an 11-play, 70-yard drive aided by several untimely penalties. Drake Maye helped rally New England to a win in the second half.
Williams’ new fine system could be put to the test when the Patriots face the Detroit Lions at Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany. The game is scheduled for Sunday at 9:30 a.m. ET.
