One would be hard-pressed to find a franchise with more impressive homegrown talent along the defensive line in recent years than the Philadelphia Eagles. And while free agency, the salary cap, and the business side inevitably see some standouts move on, these joint practices with the New England Patriots have served as a reunion of sorts for Milton Williamssee and his former teammates.
It's been nothing but respect and admiration this week for Williams, locking horns with offensive linemen donning his old jersey colors in the blazing heat.
"Just feel like old times," Williams said. "You know, coming out here competing against some (of the) same guys that I came in the league with, seeing some of the same coaches. It's always fun to come out here and see them, see familiar faces. But, you know, I'm on the other side now, so we're competing, having fun, talking a little noise. Hey, that's what it's all about.”
Following Philadelphia's Super Bowl LIX triumph, Williams landed his four-year, $104 million deal with New England once he hit free agency. And after another monster performance in last year's postseason run with New England, Williams has now racked up six postseason sacks in the past two seasons. Williams, 27, has already appeared in three Super Bowls, and he's fully accustomed to showing out when the stakes are highest.
Milton Williams is example of Eagles churning out defensive line factory
Meanwhile, Philadelphia has secured the long-term services of its two-star defensive linemen in Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis, while the fast-rising Moro Ojomo is on track to hit free agency this coming off-season, just like Williams. It's tough to retain so much top-end talent at a specific position, and Williams has already made a strong impact within the AFC East.
Folks like to comment on Philadelphia and Howie Roseman operating a quarterback factory, but make no mistake, there's another factory in Philly when it comes to defensive talent in the trenches.
For Williams, the franchises share clear similarities, including competition that demands constant progression.
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“It's all about the details, technique and fundamentals for both teams,” he said. “And I feel like we practice the same from when I was in Philly and here now. The practices are fast, physical, up-tempo and we're gonna come out here and compete every day. And I feel like that's why these two organizations are the best. Everybody that comes in, they gonna get pushed, they're going to get pushed whether they like it or not. If you don't, hit the road. If you do, you're going to continue to get better and continue to grow as a person and a player.”
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