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New England Patriots: 8 newcomers who will make big impacts in 2021

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

Aug 12, 2021; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots tight end Jonnu Smith (81) reacts during the first half against the Washington Football Team at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 12, 2021; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots tight end Jonnu Smith (81) reacts during the first half against the Washington Football Team at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports /
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New England Patriots
New England Patriots Matt Judon (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images) /

No. 3: Matthew Judon will be a scary presence in the New England Patriots defense

Let’s hope former Baltimore Ravens linebacker Matt Judon doesn’t turn out like the last big free agent linebacker the New England Patriots signed from the Ravens.

Like Adalius Thomas, Judon represents an unlikely free agent splash at the position.  He also comes to New England with a knack for getting to the quarterback.  With 9.5 sacks in 2019 and 6.0 sacks in 2020, the 28-year-old linebacker instantly gives the Patriots an edge rush presence.

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Thomas did the same in his first season with the Patriots, but it went downhill after that as the outspoken linebacker shot his way out of New England and didn’t live up to the contract.  In that respect, let’s hope Judon’s story with the Patriots have a better ending which will start in 2021.

With the returns of Dont’a Hightower and Kyle Van Noy, the addition of Judon is that more monumental in that the linebacker depth instantly turns into one of the team’s strengths and the versatile edge rusher will also allow Belichick to draw up some interesting defensive schemes.

His presence should also create more opportunity for Deatrich Wise and Chase Winovich from the opposite side of whichever Judon lines up.  So, if he is not padding his own stats, his ability to disrupt the pocket should create big play opportunities for those specific players and the interior of that Patriots defensive line anchored by Lawrence Guy, Henry Anderson and hopefully rookie defensive lineman Christian Barmore.

In all, the boogeymen are back, and Matt Judon may just be the scariest of them all.

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