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Top five reasons Patriots’ fans should be thankful this year

By Jon Cirrinone

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - NOVEMBER 20: Kyle Dugger #23 of the New England Patriots breaks up a pass intended for Ty Johnson #25 of the New York Jets during the fourth quarter at Gillette Stadium on November 20, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - NOVEMBER 20: Kyle Dugger #23 of the New England Patriots breaks up a pass intended for Ty Johnson #25 of the New York Jets during the fourth quarter at Gillette Stadium on November 20, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /
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What Patriots fans should be thankful for: #1

Matthew Judon as the league’s leader in sacks

On October 26th, I wrote that Matthew Judon could break the NFL single season sack record. At the time, he had 8.5 sacks. He has since added 4.5 more, and is still leading the league.

Judon has been nothing short of incredible. The motor, the contagious energy, and the way he elevates those around him; he is a huge reason the Patriots are a top-ranked defense in the NFL. While he doesn’t seem to get the same national media love as Micah Parsons, TJ Watt, Von Miller, or Myles Garrett, make no mistake: Matthew Judon is as important to this Patriots defense as those guys are to their respective units.

Judon currently paces for over 22 sacks, still well within reach of the single season record. On the Patriots schedule, there are only two games remaining against a Top 10 team in pass block win rate. Both games are against the Buffalo Bills (7th). Other games include the Cardinals (15th), Dolphins (23rd) and Bengals (30th). I expect Judon to hit at least 20, and do believe that things could interesting at the end of the year in terms of the record.

To conclude…

I suppose it’s befitting that this list includes six defensive players and a backup quarterback. This season has been held together by an elite defense and a timely jolt from Bailey Zappe. Here’s to hoping the back half of the season is marked with more notable offensive performances as the Patriots make a playoff push.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

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