What LB Matthew Judon Brings to the Patriots Defense

The New England Patriots put the entire league on notice this offseason when they were actually active in free agency. After a 7-9 season which had the team miss the playoffs for the first time since 2008, Bill Belichick got to work. Within the first few minutes of the NFL’s legal tampering period opened, Bill Belichick opened the checkbook. Adding the two best Tight Ends on the free-agent market (Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry), two speedy wide receivers (Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne), a versatile safety (Jalen Mills) and a dominant run-stopping defense tackle (Davon Godchaux). But none as important than linebacker Matthew Judon.

Matthew Judon, who made a name for himself as one of the most dominant pass rushers in the league, signed a four-year deal worth $54.5 Million ($32 Million guaranteed). One of the Patriots’ glaring and obvious needs was a pass rusher and they signed the best one on the free-agent market. To me, this was one of the most underrated signings of the offseason for any team as he fits perfectly with the Patriots, who brings many things to the defense. So what does Matt Judon bring to the Patriots revamped defense? Let’s take a look.

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Consistent Pass Rush

If there is one thing that Matt Judon does on a consistent basis is get after the quarterback. Since his rookie season in 2016, he has tallied 34.5 sacks, which is 26th in the NFL during that span. Since 2018, Judon has recorded 99 quarterback pressures. Judon is a pass-rushing specialist who is always in the offensive backfield. The Patriots haven’t had a guy who can get to the quarterback consistently since Chandler Jones. That now changes with Judon’s arrival. Judon was one of three pass rushers to produce at least 50 tackles, five sacks, and 20 quarterback hits in 2020.

Versatility

Not only can Matt Judon line up as a pure edge rusher, but he can also lineup in multiple places. Judon has the speed to cover the flat and take on running backs in coverage. He can also be placed in the middle of the defense as a middle linebacker as well. Judon’s versatility opens up more plays to be made for other players as on defense. One thing the opposing offense is going to have to do is gameplay for this guy!

The Patriots knew by adding someone like Matt Judon, would bring their defense back to being one of the best units in the league. During OTA’s and mandatory minicamp, Judon is already turning heads. One thing most don’t know is that the Patriots hosted him on a pre-draft visit in 2016. Judon was put through “one of the hardest workouts I’ve ever been put through”. With a returning Dont’a Hightower and Kyle Van Noy, This defense is Top 3.