New England Patriots: Matt Judon continues to star in big win over Chargers
The New England Patriots had a few stars on defense in the team’s big 27-24 win over the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, and Matt Judon, their best defensive player was one of them.
The win against the Chargers was critical, evened the Patriots record at 4-4, and has put them in a solid position to challenge for a playoff spot. That’s progress right there.
Of course, nothing’s guaranteed. The Patriots now sit in eighth place among potential playoff teams with only seven getting into the tournament.
So that win was huge and Matt Judon continued to show why he was a great free-agent addition in the offseason.
He’s a key cog in the defensive wheel that made that happen. Let’s take a look at Judon’s performance on Sunday and his play all season.
New England Patriots Matt Judon stars again against the Chargers
Judon, the Patriots’ best defensive player this season has been highly touted in this space and elsewhere since even before the season. There were big expectations for the player. He’s exploded onto the scene for the team.
Judon is a force on the pass rush and a solid run defender, as well. His size, strength, and speed make him a handful for any offensive lineman, or two.
He’s the best pass rusher on the defense and he’s proving worth every bit and more of the big contract he signed in free agency.
Judon signed a four-year, $56M contract with the Patriots with a guaranteed $32M. The way he’s played all season long he’s a bargain even at those numbers.
Some free agents are flops, some are OK, some are good, and some, well, exceed all expectations. Put Matt Judon in that category so far.
Judon is an A+++ along the lines of a previous great New England free-agent signee, Stephon Gilmore. (They’ll see him next Sunday.) He’s a big-time player.
Yesterday, he logged a sack and a half bringing his season total to eight. He combined with rookie defensive line sensation and emerging star, Christian Barmore on one with a half-sack each.
Judon sits fourth in the NFL in sacks with his eight. Leading the way is Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns with 10.5, followed by T.J. Watt of the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Harold Landry III both with 8.5.
Judon is not just a sack artist though. His all-around play has been superb. He’s a force on the field every play and every game and he’s a big part of any of this team’s success.
While Judon was great on Sunday, the star of the day had to be Adrian Phillips who notched two picks (one a pick-six) against his former team, the Chargers. It’s OK to share the kudos!
Next. New England Patriots: 3 defensive stars from big victory over the Chargers. dark
But Judon’s role not only as a star player but also as an emerging leader on the defense can’t be overstated.
Other than Judon, the New England Patriots weren’t making many big defensive plays earlier in the season. Now Judon and a bunch of others are making them. It’s a good sign.
The win over the Chargers was a critical one that has kept the Patriots’ playoff hopes alive. For Matt Judon and his teammates, it was a nice job all around.