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The Patriots didn’t have a ton of star performers in 2022, which isn’t surprising when you look at their 8-9 record. But at least one of their best players earned some big-time recognition on Friday.
Rookie extraordinaire Marcus Jones was named to the Associated Press All-Pro First Team for 2022 as a punt returner, the only Patriot to gain a spot on either All-Pro squad.
The third-round pick led the league in punt return yards with 362 and added a game-winning punt return touchdown against the Jets in Week 10 – the first score of his career. He later added a touchdown catch as a wide receiver and a pick-six as a cornerback, proving himself an all-around playmaker for a Patriots team in dire need of one.
Edge rusher Matthew Judon, meanwhile, got snubbed from both All-Pro teams despite finishing the year with 15.5 sacks, landing behind Nick Bosa and Micah Parsons on the first team and Myles Garrett and Haason Reddick on the second team. Judon did make the Pro Bowl for the fourth consecutive season, however.
As long as Jones keeps up his impactful play in all three phases, there's a good chance this won't be his last All-Pro nod. Perhaps some more Patriots can join him in the future.