The New England Patriots defensive lineman Milton Williams did not hold back when discussing the playing surface at Allianz Arena after Sunday's 35-10 loss to the Detroit Lions in Munich. Williams questioned the field conditions following injuries to Patriots quarterback Drake Maye and Lions pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson.
According to Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald, Williams believed the surface contributed to both players getting hurt. He acknowledged, however, that he did not know the full extent of Maye's ankle injury. The Patriots defender also stressed that the field was not an excuse for his team's performance.
“Two top players in this league, probably got season-ending injuries playing on that [field]. It was bad,” Williams said. “But like I said, I ain't making no excuses. [The Lions] executed. They played on the same field we did, and they executed and made more plays than we did. Give them credit.”
Williams also explained that the surface made it difficult for him to play with his usual explosiveness. He described the conditions as firm and said slipping remained an issue throughout the game.
However, not every Patriots player viewed the playing surface as a major problem. Callahan reported that other New England players did not share Williams' level of concern, although they also acknowledged the field's firmness.
The defeat added to New England's difficult stretch, dropping the team to 5-5 after losing three of its last four games. The Patriots now enter their bye week with uncertainty surrounding Drake Maye's availability after his ankle injury.