New England Patriots: 3 Patriot defenders fans really can’t wait to see
There are three New England Patriots defenders I can’t really wait to see when the real action starts up; the preseason games.
The first game will be on Thursday, August 12 at Gillette Stadium against the Washington Football Team. OK, I know many fans could care less about pre-season. I’m not one of them. I love it.
While there are actually many more players who are of interest on defense as well as the three that I’ll mention, these three are the top ones I am looking forward to seeing in action.
So here goes, the three top players I am looking forward to seeing the most on the much improved, ready-to-roll, New England Patriots defense.
Let’s first take a look at the newcomer, a former free agent who could be an absolute terrorizer of quarterbacks for the sack-needy New England Patriots first.
New England Patriots defender Matt Judon adds explosiveness off the edge
That would be Matt Judon, linebacker/edge rusher signed from the Baltimore Ravens in the offseason for big-bucks.
Judon is coming off two straight Pro Bowl seasons. That’s a clear sign that his talents are appreciated league-wide and, man, will they be appreciated in New England.
He notched 15.5 sacks over those two seasons, with nine and a half in 2019 (a real regular season), and 6.0 last season.
He’s a five-year veteran and he has to be tipped to lead the Patriots in sacks this season. If Judon can notch eight or so sacks, that will be an immediate improvement over last season’s leader Chase Winovich, who had just five and a half.
He’s a big dude at 6’3′ and over 260 pounds (or so). He and Dont’a Hightower on the line or as off-the-ball linebackers offer a lot of pass-rush options heading straight at opposing quarterbacks.
What is also appreciated is Judon’s experience, his determined attitude, and especially his toughness. That’s an aspect that was largely missing from last season’s version of the defense.
Now, it’s on hand in abundance. I just can’t wait to see Judon probably coming from the right side making plays in the opposition’s backfield all game long. Expect it.