DT Malcom Brown on Patriots' run defense: 'Just have to continue to work'

FOXBOROUGH — Malcom Brown is a man who takes the long view.

I asked the defensive tackle on Tuesday about the state of the Patriots’ run defense. The veteran acknowledged things are, to put it delicately, a work in progress.


“Got a long way to go,” he shrugged. “Got a lot of work to do. Just have to continue to work.

“We still have a lot of work to do. A long season ahead of us. We have to continue to grow and continue to work at it.”

When it comes to what needs to be done and how much work, Brown wouldn’t get into specifics. But on the surface, it would appear Brown’s assessment is spot on. The Texas product is part of a front seven that struggled to stop the run last Sunday against the Lions. Up front, the Patriots defensive line appeared to be outmuscled at the point of attack, as Detroit’s offensive linemen like Frank Ragnow rolled over Brown, Danny Shelton and the rest of New England’s front. The result? The Lions had a 100-plus yard rusher in Kerryon Johnson for the first time in four seasons, and Detroit bullied its’ way to a 26-10 win.

Stats always have to be put in some sort of context, but it’s worth noting it was the third consecutive game the Patriots allowed a team to rush for 100 yards or more to start the season.

"I think that was a struggle. I think there were a number of things that were a struggle (Sunday) night," said defensive line coach Brendan Daly when asked about the inability to shed blocks when it came to run defense against Detroit. "I don’t think any of us from a coach’s or player’s standpoint are happy with our performance. I think we’ve all got a great sense of urgency to improve – getting off blocks is one of them. But there’s a long list there."

Asked Tuesday what happened, Brown said the loss was already in the rearview, and the group was looking forward.

“We’re not even worried about Detroit right now. We’re just moving forward,” he said. “(Miami is) winning right now. They’re playing real good football — complementary football. Running the ball good, passing the ball good. Everything is working good for them right now.”

As for his own performance, Brown — who didn’t have his option for 2019 picked up by the team this offseason — wouldn’t judge. That being said, there have been nagging inconsistencies in his game over the last year-plus. For example, he was dominant in last year's AFC title game against the Jaguars, but didn't factor into the loss in Jacksonville earlier this month.

He did sound a positive note, however, that the defensive line as a whole would be able to get things turned around sooner rather than later, a point echoed by fellow defensive lineman Deatrich Wise a few lockers down later in the afternoon.

“It’s going to get fixed,” Wise said of the struggles to stop the run.

“We have a good little group,” Brown said of the defensive front. “We’re like family in our room — we just continue to work. We know what each other needs.”

In terms of whether or not he and the rest of the defensive line are capable of shaking off early-season struggles, Brown said it’s too early to tell if this team has the same level of mental toughness that some previous Patriots’ rosters had, and would be able to overcome the slow start.

“That’s thinking too far ahead,” he said. “I’m just looking at this week (and) just trying to get better at what we need to get better at. Fundamentals and technique. That starts this weekend. Then next weekend. Then, next weekend. Just continue to keep pushing. Keep improving all year.”