Matt Judon takes parting shot at Ravens with comments about Patriots
By Jerry Trotta
When you take into account player opt outs, free agency exits and notable departures from the coaching staff, it really isn’t surprising that the New England Patriots’ defense failed to live up to their lofty standards last season.
If their spending spree thus far in free agency has told us anything, it’s that they aren’t settling for mediocrity again.
In fact, we would even go as far as to say that Bill Belichick is keen on having the best defense in the league again.
The Patriots have made a slew of quality additions on defense, but perhaps no signing has stuck out more than edge rusher Matt Judon, who was an integral component of the Ravens’ elite defensive unit for the last five seasons.
Speaking of Baltimore, it would appear that Judon is relieved to no longer be with that organization.
That, or he’s just extremely excited to be in New England and be mentored by one of the greatest defensive minds of all time, because he seemed to take a shot at them in his introductory press conference on Wednesday.
Patriots OLB Matt Judon said he's in "the best situation possible for my football career."
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) March 24, 2021
Pro Bowl edge rusher Matt Judon took a shot at the Ravens during his introductory press conference with the Patriots.
That quote should get Patriots fans amped for what lies ahead in 2021. After all, it’s a pretty accurate assessment of where both teams currently stand.
Coming into the start of free agency, Baltimore’s roster was markedly better than that of the Patriots’. It was honestly embarrassing how wide the gap was. Now, however, you could argue that the Pats, at least on paper, are just as talented as the AFC North squad.
With that being said, Judon’s decision to join New England boiled down to a lot more than just roster personnel. The raved-about culture, elite defensive scheme and stalwart coaching staff definitely had a say in the two-time Pro Bowler spurning his former organization.
Perhaps it was a combination of both. The bottom line is that Judon is evidently thrilled to get to work with the Patriots, who will need his pass-rushing skills to elevate their defense after they found it impossible to rush opposing quarterbacks last season.
https://twitter.com/TomPelissero/status/1371536219616768001
For context, the former fifth-round pick has produced 94 tackles (23 for loss), 15.5 sacks, 54 quarterback hits, 63 pressures and four forced fumbles over the last two campaigns.
Unfortunately for Judon, he won’t get a revenge game opportunity next season, as the Patriots aren’t slated to face the Ravens in 2021. However, depending on how things play out in the regular season, they could end up facing each other in the playoffs.
If that happens, you can count on Judon breaking down the pregame huddle with a fiery speech that will have his teammates ready to run through a brick wall.
