Patriots: This player will be surprise non-factor vs Cowboys

The New England Patriots were lucky to escape Houston with a win last Sunday, as they scored 16 unanswered points in the second half — including  Nick Folk’s game-winning field goal —  to knock off the Texans.

Perhaps allowing third-round rookie Davis Mills to throw for 312 yards and three touchdowns will serve as the wake-up call the defense needed, because Dallas’ offense is far more explosive than Houston’s middling group.

If the Patriots are going to win this game, they’ll need their horses to step up. That includes Mac Jones, Matt Judon, Dont’a Hightower and JC Jackson. More players belong in that group, but if those studs make their presences felt, New England could be in position to pull off a home upset.

However, in such a unique matchup, could one of those players struggle to make an impact on Sunday? We certainly think so, and it might come in the form of Judon, the Patriots’ player of the season thus far.

Could Matt Judon be a surprise non-factor vs the Cowboys?

We get it, alright. Judon has been a game-changer for the Patriots through the first five weeks. He was the crown jewel of their most expensive free agent spending spree in franchise history, and he’s lived up to every penny of his $56 million contract.

Through five games, Judon has 20 tackles (eight for loss, which leads the NFL), 6.5 sacks, 11 QB hits, and 13 pressures. If the 29-year-old maintains this pace, he’ll receive first-team All-Pro honors at the end of the year.

Having said that, Judon figures to matchup against Tyron Smith, who’s still one of the best pound-for-pound left tackles in the NFL, on Sunday.

Smith appeared in just two games last season, leading folks to believe that he might struggle to return to Pro Bowl form in his age-30 season. Well, the 11-year pro has silenced his doubters in emphatic fashion.

He’s played nearly every snap and has allowed just one sack and penalty apiece, which is impressive given the caliber of pass-rushers he’s lined up against. That list includes Ndamukong Suh, Joey Bosa, Derek Barnett and Leonard Williams.

This stat tells you all you need to know.

The Patriots like to move Judon around, but he primarily lines up on the edge of the right side of the defense. That’s where Smith has made a living for the last decade and he’s been as dominant as we can remember.

Through five weeks, he’s one of Pro Football Focus’ highest-graded tackles, earning a 86.5 pass-blocking grade and a 89.0 run-blocking grade, equating to a 91.2 overall mark. It’s not often you see linemen break the 90 mark, but Smith is built different.

It’s worth noting that Smith popped up on the injury report with a neck issue, but he’s expected to play. If he’s out there, Patriots fans shouldn’t be surprised if Judon struggles to make an impact on Sunday.

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