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Patriots Fire Defensive Coordinator Terrell Williams After Third Straight Loss to Steelers

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Foxborough, MA – September 21, 2025

The New England Patriots have parted ways with defensive coordinator Terrell Williams following Sunday’s 21–14 defeat to the Pittsburgh Steelers, a move that comes amid growing concerns about the team’s underperforming defense.

Williams, who had stepped away temporarily starting September 10 due to personal issues unrelated to health, returned to the sideline only to oversee a third straight loss. The Patriots defense, already ranked near the bottom of the league after a Week 1 collapse against the Las Vegas Raiders, once again faltered — allowing multiple deep completions and failing to contain Pittsburgh’s passing attack.

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In Williams’ absence earlier in the season, inside linebackers coach Zak Kuhr handled defensive play-calling duties. Team sources indicate Kuhr will continue in that role on an interim basis while New England evaluates longer-term options.

Patriots officials cited both performance and health-related concerns in explaining the decision. Opponents are averaging nearly

29 points per game across the first three weeks, fueling pressure inside the organization for a swift change.

Patriots owner Robert Kraft broke his silence on the Patriots'  'disappointing' season – Boston Herald

“We appreciate everything Terrell has done for our team, but at this time, we felt it was necessary to move in a different direction,”

one Patriots executive said Monday. “We have high expectations on defense, and accountability comes with that standard.”

The firing marks the latest shake-up for a Patriots team trying to rebuild its defensive identity in the post-Belichick era. For Williams, his short-lived tenure ends with frustration, as inconsistency and a poor start ultimately cost him his position.

📢 EAGLES UPDATE: Philadelphia Falls 21–17 to Denver in Hard-Fought Week 5 Battle 🦅
Eagles Nation, here’s the latest from Lincoln Financial Field – The Philadelphia Eagles dropped a tough one, falling 21–17 to the Denver Broncos in a thrilling Week 5 matchup on Sunday afternoon. Despite a strong start, Philly couldn’t hold off a late Denver comeback, ending their undefeated streak at 4–1. 🏈 GAME RECAP The Eagles came out firing, with Jalen Hurts leading the charge. He went 24/36 for 289 yards and 2 touchdowns, including a 52-yard bomb to DeVonta Smith (5 catches, 92 yards) that set up a Saquon Barkley touchdown run (18 carries, 89 yards, 1 TD). A.J. Brown was a force, hauling in 6 catches for 78 yards and drawing a critical pass interference penalty on Broncos star Patrick Surtain II in the end zone. Philly led 17–6 in the third quarter after a 2-yard TD pass to Dallas Goedert, but the tide turned. Denver’s defense, sparked by Nik Bonitto’s two sacks, forced a fumble from Barkley and an interception from Hurts, setting up two quick Broncos touchdowns. Bo Nix (20/30, 248 yards, 2 TDs; 45 rushing yards) and Evan Engram (7 catches, 102 yards, 1 TD) fueled the rally, with a late two-point conversion by Troy Franklin sealing the 21–17 lead. A final Eagles Hail Mary fell short, and the loss was compounded by an early exit from Landon Dickerson (sprained ankle), which disrupted the offensive line and led to three sacks allowed in the second half. Adding to the frustration, Broncos linebacker Cody Vaughn was heard taunting Dickerson post-injury, saying he should “go home to his wife.” The comments fired up Eagles fans, who let Vaughn hear it as he left the field. 📊 KEY STATS Jalen Hurts: 24/36, 289 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT A.J. Brown: 6 catches, 78 yards DeVonta Smith: 5 catches, 92 yards Saquon Barkley: 18 carries, 89 yards, 1 TD Eagles Defense: 1 sack (Za’Darius Smith), 0 takeaways Broncos Offense: Bo Nix (248 passing yards, 2 TDs), Evan Engram (102 receiving yards, 1 TD) Turnovers: Eagles 2 (1 fumble, 1 INT); Broncos 0 🦅 WHAT IT MEANS FOR PHILLY This loss stings, but the Eagles showed fight. A.J. Brown’s performance silenced trade rumors, proving he’s the heart of this offense. The team’s late-game execution faltered, and Kevin Patullo’s unit will need to tighten up to avoid another collapse. Injuries, like Dickerson’s, exposed depth issues, especially on the offensive line. 🔜 LOOKING AHEAD The Eagles (4–1) now gear up for a critical NFC East stretch, facing the New York Giants twice in the next three weeks. Let’s rally behind our Birds to bounce back and keep those Super Bowl dreams alive! 🦅 FINAL SCORE: Denver Broncos 21 – Philadelphia Eagles 17 Stay loud, Eagles Nation—we’re still in this! 💚