By moving by trading their star OLB Matt Judon, to the Atlanta Falcons, the New England Patriots have made the has sent shockwaves throughout the league. Just two weeks before the start of the regular season.
The move, which sends Matt Judon to the Falcons in exchange for a third-round draft pick, leaves a gaping hole in the Patriots’ defense. Not only did they lose one of their best players on the field but also a leader and a seasoned veteran.
The Fallout after Matt Judon Trade
Matt Judon has been a cornerstone of the Patriots’ defense since joining the team in 2021. His ability to generate pressure on the quarterback and set the edge in the run game has been invaluable. In his three seasons with the Patriots, Judon has recorded 34.5 sacks and earned two Pro Bowl selections.
In only 3 seasons with the Pats, Matt Judon managed to establish himself as the top threat within the Patriots’ defense. The veteran edge rusher leaving will hurt the Patriots defensively for the remainder of the year.
With Matt Judon gone, the Patriots must rely on a combination of younger players such as Josh Uche or Raekwon McMillan to fill the void.
Next Man Up for New England Patriots
While both McMillan and Uche are talented and can somewhat fill the void, both players are injury-prone and haven´t demonstrated a capacity to lead the offense up to this point. The Patriots will need both of these players, along with 2nd year LB Keion White to take a significant step forward if they want to replace Judon’s production.
Judon´s trade also raises questions about the Patriots’ long-term plans. The team has been rebuilding in recent years, and the decision to trade away a key player could signal a shift in their strategy. It is true that Judon is 32 and probably doesn´t have that many elite years left in the tank, so the Patriots might have made the right choice, painful as it may be.
Fantasy Outlook for Jerod Mayo’s Defense
Regarding leadership, the Patriots will now look to cornerstones CB Christian Gonzalez and DT Christian Barmore. Whether the Patriots will address the void via free agency or trade to solve their defensive needs remains to be seen.
Judon is a top-tier fantasy option at the OLB position, and his departure will likely lead to a decrease in production for the Patriots’ defensive line and affect the passing defense as well.
Overall, things look a bit rough in New England for the upcoming season, as Matt Judon´s departure further weakens this once mighty defense. However, it remains to be seen what Coach Jerod Mayo can do with this unit, there is still talent and new players will get the chance to prove themselves.
For More Great Content
Are you desiring top-tier content that covers everything? From thrilling sports and intoxicating entertainment news to gaming tips and professional betting advice, Total Apex covers it all. Delve into our no-fluff articles to stay ahead of the game with the latest sports action, uncover the hottest trends in entertainment, and get the latest scoops in the gaming industry that will take your experiences to the next level.
Finally, our betting advice will give you a decisive edge over the competition and increase your odds of beating the books. Whether you’re looking to stay updated or gain a competitive edge, Total Apex is your one-stop shop for all things compelling and relevant. Don’t forget we cover Fantasy Sports, too!
Check out all our sites: Total Apex Sports, Total Apex Fantasy Sports, Total Apex Entertainment, Total Apex Sports Bets, and Total Apex Gaming. Out of the ashes of obscurity will rise a beast. Always remember to Respect The Hustle! Follow us on Twitter/X @TotalApexSports to stay informed.
