Matthew Judon finds himself on the NFL Top 100 players list for 2022
Matthew Judon made an appearance on the NFL top 100 list in his first season with the New England Patriots.
It’s quite crowded among pass-rushers, as usual. So there’s no shame in Judon falling short in Pro Bowl voting to the leader at outside linebacker, the Steelers’ T.J. Watt. But if Watt is classified as an “edge rusher” in All-Pro voting, then he’s competing for that award with the Browns’ Myles Garrett. That leaves an opening for Judon to grab some hardware as a linebacker. He’s third in the NFL in sacks with 10.5, and third in QB hits with 22. He’s in the conversation, for sure.
Maddie Meyer/Getty ImagesLinebacker Matthew Judon joined Mac Jones as two Patriots on the NFL's annual Top 100 list. Jones was No. 85 and Judon is No. 52.
"He can cover running backs out of the backfield, he can obviously pass rush, he can defend the run," New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu said of Judon." "[The Patriots] run a versatile system, and it allows guys like him to really show who they are."
In his first season with the Patriots, Judon tallied a career high in sacks with 12.5, tying for seventh most in the NFL in 2021.
Judon enters the second season of his four-year, $54.5 million contract he signed with New England.
Matthew Judon’s reason for briefly leaving practice will make you chuckle
Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY SportsNov 14, 2021; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots outside linebacker Matt Judon (9) runs off of the field after a game against the Cleveland Browns at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
Patriots linebacker Matthew Judon put a bit of a scare into spectators when he exited the Patriots' joint practice with the Carolina Panthers about midway through the proceedings. But Judon's absence was brief.
Turns out he just had to pee.
That's quite a delightful way to get a false alarm.
Judon returned and resumed his usual duties as a regular in the Patriots' defensive front. And, as one might expect, he made a noticeable impact in 11-on-11 drills. Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald charted Judon with two "sacks" and a run stuff.
One Patriot did appear to leave the game for injury reasons, as tight end Hunter Henry exited early without returning. Wide receivers Kendrick Bourne and Kristian Wilkerson, and offensive lineman James Ferentz, were all ejected by Bill Belichick for their roles in a pair of brawls that took place during Monday's joint practice.
But in the case of Judon, all seems well on that front. The only way his explanation would've been funnier is if he had to ... well, you know.
Judon has been one of the more engaging and refreshing personalities to come through New England in recent years, and he's paired it with All Pro-caliber play. He's even got pee jokes, now.
Mitchell Leff/Getty ImagesPHILADELPHIA, PA - AUGUST 19: Matt Judon #9 of the New England Patriots reacts after the preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on August 19, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Patriots defeated the Eagles 35-0. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
The Patriots won the day on both sides of the ball in Monday's practice. Based on the one day, even with their own struggles in certain areas during camp, they look like the more talented and better coached team than Carolina. That's not terribly surprising.
We'll get back to it on Wednesday morning with the second joint practice between the Pats and Panthers. Click here for complete Patriots training camp coverage at 985TheSportsHub.com.
Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @realmattdolloff. You can also email him at mdolloff@985thesportshub.com.
