Stephen A. Smith, ESPN Can’t Stop Making This Embarassing Patriots Mistake

New England Patriots defensive coordinator Terrell Williams has unfortunately been away from the team for nearly the entirety of the 2025 NFL season after he was tragically diagnosed with prostate cancer in early September.

But the “worldwide leader in sports” has proven yet again that it is entirely uninterested in learning about the teams it covers relentlessly.

Analyst Stephen A. Smith is the face of ESPN. He went on the network’s flagship show, “First Take,” just two days before the Patriots are set to play the Denver Broncos for a trip to the Super Bowl, and sang the praises of Williams’ defense.

“There is a defense that Jarrett Stidham has to go up against,” Smith said. “There is a brother coaching that defense, Terrell Williams. We ain’t mentioned him all year long.”

"A backup quarterback that ain't play in two years? Hell no. New England, you better not lose that damn game."@stephenasmith weighs in on his expectations for Jarrett Stidham in the AFC Championship game 👀 pic.twitter.com/bVwFwz9eZ0

— First Take (@FirstTake) January 23, 2026

That is, of course, because he has been undergoing treatment for his diagnosis.

Inside linebackers coach Zak Kuhr has worked in collaboration with the rest of the staff to piece together one of the league’s best units.

It would have been one of the biggest stories of the season had ESPN had any interest in covering it.

But with just three games remaining in the league’s 285-game schedule, the network still has no clue who is calling plays in New England.

“(Williams) reunited with Mike Vrabel, used to be with him in Tennessee, this man has done a hell of a job with a defense that’s ranked top-five in the National Football League,” Smith said. “We’re going to give brothers credit on this show! And that brother is doing his thing!”