6 rings & football things: Diving into Kadlick's Post-Combine Patriots Mock Draft 2.0
If there was any concern among New England Patriots fans that players remaining on the team, following the departure of legendary coach Bill Belichick, would give anything less than maximum effort for new coach Jerod Mayo? Those concerns were put to rest by one of the team’s leaders this morning.
Appearing on Wednesday morning’s edition of “Good Morning Football” on the NFL Network, defensive star, team leader and “Unofficial GM” Matthew Judon spoke on a number of subjects pertaining to all things Patriots. Judon has never been shy about speaking his mind, and his appearance today continues with the candor players have spoken with in the days since the departure of Bill Belichick.
Judon addressed his biceps injury vs the Cowboys in Dallas that ended his 2023 campaign after just four games (“Working hard to get back all the strength and flexibility, and we’re there now”). He also talked about the Patriots uncertainty at quarterback, first acknowledging that Mac Jones isn't washed out, saying “When Mac was comfortable and he had a good system he produced and put up good numbers.”, later adding that Mac needs to find his mojo again “We know he can do it, he just has to find his confidence, his stride.”
He also held court on the QB free agency frenzy, showing support for the soon to be released Russell Wilson, who Judon calls, “Russell-ella” (a play on Cinderela who needs to find his glass slipper). Judon highlighted that Wilson’s contract for 2024 is basically paid for, adding “He’s been there before, he’s won a lot of playoff games.”
All good signs and intel, but of greatest interest to Pats Nation may be Judon’s stance on what happened with the coach who pursued him, who Judon appreciated so much, and the new man in charge now.
The four-time Pro Bowler spoke glowingly of Belichick, calling him a great coach, adding “I looked up to him. He’s one of the best to ever do it.” But Judon acknowledged it felt like it was time for change, and threw his support behind his former linebackers coach. “When we start we all gonna try to run through a wall for Mayo just because he always had our back throughout everything we go through.” The feeling was Mayo became a buffer or intermediary between players and coach under Belichick, and now it’s their turn to show their appreciation and give maximum effort. A good sign that there’s no division, resent or frustration with how things went at the end of a disappointing season.
He’s healthy. He’s excited to play. He likes his new coach. He’s still trying to recruit players to come to New England (free agent wide receiver Calvin Ridley his latest target). Matthew Judon sounds ready for the challenges ahead for the new look Patriots in their first year under Jerod Mayo.
Related
