Story by
Patriots rested their best defenders for a month and the gamble paid off
- Story by
- Patriots rested their best defenders for a month and the gamble paid off
FOXBOROUGH – The Patriots had a plan in place to be at their strongest for the playoffs. The problem was that it meant they wouldn’t be at full strength to end their regular season.
For Mike Vrabel, the strategy paid off big time in the Patriots ’ defensive-dominant performance last weekend against the Los Angeles Chargers . That game marked the first time since Nov. 13 that the Patriots had defensive tackle Milton Williams , linebacker Robert Spillane , and edge rusher Harold Landry on the field at the same time .
Advertisement
After resting three of their best defensive players for the better part of the final month of the season, the Patriots were back at full strength in their wild-card win.
“That’s what the vision was – for all of us to be out there healthy,” Williams told MassLive. “When that happened, we can go out there and play at a high level with everybody feeling their best or best as they can at this point in the season. And go out there and do what we’re supposed to do. It was good to see those guys come back and produce.”
The Patriots started to deal with injuries more so during the latter half of the regular season. Williams suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 11 against the New York Jets . That night marked the last time the Patriots defense would have Williams, Spillane, and Landry in it together until last weekend’s playoff matchup.
Williams missed five games and returned for the team’s regular-season finale. Spillane, the Patriots’ leading tackler, missed the final four games of the regular season due to an ankle injury. His first game back was against the Chargers.
Advertisement
Landry had been dealing with a knee injury over the second half of the season. The Patriots’ leading pass rusher missed the final two games and also made his return on Sunday.
“I love being out there, Spillane said. “Any chance I get to step out on the field with the guys. Part of it is special, and I don’t take those opportunities for granted. Anyone that steps out there, it feels like a brotherhood. You’re playing for your brothers. You’re playing for so much, our family, your children.”
The trio played a big part in the Patriots’ 16-3 win over the Chargers. Williams had two sacks, including one on fourth down to end the game. Spillane had six tackles and a pass breakup. Landry added two tackles.
Williams said he knew the three would be dominant once they returned.
Advertisement
“Yeah. It don’t matter what the injury is, what you’re dealing with – everybody is dealing with something,” Williams said. “I know those guys came in just like I did, attacking the plan that coach had for them and took care of business. They were back and productive, and that’s what we’re all trying to do.”
More Patriots Content
Read the original article on MassLive . Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
