New England Patriots: Malcom Brown Adjusting to Demotion
By Nick Ziegler
One of the interesting things to monitor in Week 17 for the New England Patriots is the recent demotion of Malcom Brown.
Last week against the New York Jets, the New England Patriots made the decision to demote defensive tackle, Malcom Brown. In 13 of the Patriots’ 15 games this season, Brown has been one of their starting defensive tackles.
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However, with the playoffs right around the corner, Brown has been demoted to third-string defensive tackle. While he will still be playing a good amount in the Patriots’ rotation at the position, he has lost his spot to Vincent Valentine.
“I really have nothing to say about that whole situation. I just really don’t want to talk about it,” Brown said to Mike Reiss of ESPN.com.
While Brown does have three sacks and 47 tackles this season, he has lacked the consistency that Bill Belichick wants from the position. On Sunday, the Patriots will be trying to stop one of the best rushing offenses in the NFL.
One of the main reasons for the success of the Dolphins this season has been their rushing attack. Running back Jay Ajayi is having a great season, and he will be looking to finish strong against the Patriots.
“Great running game. They’re dominating teams with it,” he said to Reiss. “We have to stop it, and just try to make them one-dimensional like we always do.”
It will be a great matchup on Sunday between the Patriots’ rushing defense and the Dolphins’ rushing offense. Coming into Sunday, the Patriots have the third-best rushing defense in the NFL, and that unit will certainly be tested.
In the final game of the season, it will be interesting to monitor the defensive tackle rotation. The Patriots will be attempting to lock up home-field throughout the playoffs on Sunday. Stopping Ajayi will be crucial for that to happen.