Overview
- On Friday’s First Take, Smith lauded Terrell Williams for New England’s top-five defense, even though Williams has been away most of the season for prostate cancer treatment.
- After the clip went viral, Smith posted on X that he knew of Williams’ absence, said Williams still consulted on game plans, and argued that forgetting to mention it was different from not knowing.
- Coverage notes Williams has been away since Sept. 10, with inside linebackers coach Zak Kuhr serving as interim defensive coordinator and calling plays.
- Commentators criticized crediting Williams alone as misleading, and First Take later deleted its original social post featuring the clip.
- In separate remarks, Smith warned Patriots fans of heavy backlash if New England loses the AFC Championship to Jarrett Stidham and the Broncos.