Matthew Judon is slowly approaching all-time history

Patriots’ pass rusher Matthew Judon already has 11.5 sacks this season, and is slowly approaching some serious history in 2022.  On Sunday at Gillette, Judon sacked Colts’ quarterback Sam Ehlinger three times, bringing his season total to 11.5.

Right now, Judon is on a historic pace and does have a chance to set the all-time single season sack record.  Yeah, he’s been that good this season.  Through nine games, the former Baltimore Raven has 11.5, which is an average of 1.28 per season.

He’s played in every game and appears to be healthy.  Crossed fingers that he stays healthy the rest of the season, because averaging 1.28 sacks per season through 17 games would put him at 21.76 sacks, which is 22 rounded up.

22 sacks on the season would rank tied for the second most in NFL history, tied with Justin Houston, Jared Allen, and Mark Gastineau.  What makes this more incredible is that Judon has never really be thought of as an elite pass rusher, but for whatever reason, he has fit in wonderfully with New England and has been one of the best pass rushers since arriving in 2021.

He’s in the second year of a four year deal he signed with the team before 2021.  After the bye week, there are some favorable matchups for the Patriots’ front seven to get to the quarterback.  Teams they play in the second half include the Arizona Cardinals, Cincinnati Bengals, Las Vegas Raiders.  They also face the Jets and Dolphins one more time, and play the Bills twice.

There is a path for him to at least hit the 20 sack mark, which has only been done 13 times in NFL history.  Right now, the seven year veteran has a clear path to a Pro Bowl, All-Pro, and the NFL sack title for the 2022 season.

He is the anchor of the defense and has helped the New England Patriots get to a perhaps unexpected 5-4 at the bye week.