Patriots Gameday: Matthew Judon ready to feast on Kirk Cousins
The Minnesota Vikings offensive line may not want to get too stuffed on Thanksgiving Day. That’s because they will have their hands full with New England Patriots sack master Matthew Judon when the two teams square off in a Thanksgiving night battle.
Coming off a game in which Micah Parsons and the Dallas Cowboys defensive was all over Kirk Cousins, the Vikings offensive line won’t get any breaks going against Judon. As the NFL sack leader, the Patriots edge rusher has been ballin’ this season and will be an X-factor in this showdown vs the Vikings.
In fact, if the Patriots are going to have a chance to go into Minnesota and upset Cousins, Justin Jefferson, Dalvin Cook and them boys, the defense is going to have to have a big game. That starts with the guy in the red sleeves who hopes to do his signature sack celebration a few times in this game.
Patriots edge rusher Matthew Judon has been doing a lot of celebrating
Speaking of that sack celebration, Judon shared where the celebration came from…a celebration that has become contagious.
"“[Michael] Crabtree used to do it,” Judon said regarding the celebration. “…He was on the team; I asked him; I asked him. He was like, ‘it’s cool (for you to use it).’’"
Judon and the former NFL wide receiver were teammates with the Baltimore Ravens before Judon joined the Patriots. The celebration in which Judon wipes his hand across his face would be quite fitting on Thanksgiving as the Patriots’ defense will be licking their chops to get after Cousins who got sacked 7 times against the Cowboys.
With a short week, it could be a similar performance for the Patriots as they don’t just have Judon who can create pressure. Both Deatrich Wise and Josh Uche have feasted on opposing quarterbacks. With the dynamic weapons the Vikings have, it will be critical that the Patriots say in Cousins’ face.
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On the flip side, the Patriots’ offense also needs to get it together. We talk about Judon getting to the quarterback, Mac Jones hopes his offensive line can come together and at least give him some time to throw.
The offensive struggles in all are why it’s a big game for New England’s defense, especially for Judon who the opposing team is game planning for.
"“Judon’s having a great year,” Cousins said. “A big shoutout to Grand Valley State, where he played. That’s kind of my home area so I grew up watching Grand Valley. He’s had a great pro career after coming out of Grand Valley and having a great year this year, so we’ll be well aware of where he is. And really, their whole unit has been strong, so it’ll be a challenge all around.”"
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While Judon will get his, a key to this game is other Patriots defenders stepping up and keeping the Vikings’ offense in check as they hope their own offense finds a way to put together some touchdown scoring drives.
It will be a battle, so enjoy your Thanksgiving and some holiday football, it’s gameday.