The New England Patriots spent majority of the 2023 season without their most productive edge rusher. In a game against the Dallas Cowboys on October 1, veteran sack leader Matthew Judon, who has 66.5 career sacks, sustained a biceps injury that ended his season. The 31-year-old Judon gave a health update and more during an on-air chat with Boston-based radio hosts Michael Felger and Tony Massarotti while recovering from surgery.
“I feel like I’m fully functional. I feel like I got my strength back, my mobility back. I’m ready to play,” said Judon from Super Bowl radio row in Las Vegas.
Judon will, regrettably, not be able to participate in this Sunday’s big game, and it doesn’t appear that the Patriots will be a Super Bowl contender the following year either. Following a 4-13 year, New England fired iconic head coach Bill Belichick and selected former linebacker Jerod Mayo to lead the team in a new direction.
The Patriots lack offensive weapons and have doubts at quarterback, despite Mayo having several strong defensive players.
New England placed 30th overall (276.2) in terms of total offense, and ranked 28th overall (180.5) in terms of passing attack. “I believe that everyone has to improve. It’s what you do during the off-season,” Judon remarked.
In 2021, Judon inked a four-year deal with New England as a free agent, was performing at a high level prior to the Week 4 injury.
He recorded 4.0 sacks and nine quarterback hits over the first three-plus games. Judon also made one tackle-for-loss against the run. Without him, the Patriots fell to 28th out of 32 teams in sack percentage (6.26%).
“I have another year on my contract, so I’m back. I’m happy that I’m still able to play football,” said Judon.
When questioned about perhaps having an impact on the defensive system, Judon said he would let Mayo and the staff handle the coaching.
“I’m gonna make sure that I do what I need to do and go out there play and produce. I don’t want to also be a coach. I ain’t Lebron [James]. I’m not a coach/player,” said Judon, who was selected in the fifth round at the 2016 NFL Draft. Prior to landing with the Patriots, the Division II Grand Valley State product spent five seasons as a Baltimore Raven. He logged at least 4.0 sacks in all five seasons and earned two Pro Bowl nods.