For someone who said he didn’t choose the Patriots but “They chose me", one of the team’s newest players seems to be adapting to The Patriot Way pretty nicely.
Linebacker Matthew Judon in his first of a four year $56 million free agent deal, is already striking all the right notes on and off the field. The pass-rushing specialist is expected to add some speed and depth to a revamped defense this season. Though it’s a new environment, new scheme, why would Judon appear comfortable already?
“I’m not in enemy territory anymore."
When transitioning to any new team starting things off on the right foot, if you will, with your new coach always helps, especially hen that coach is so accomplished and demanding. And it seems Judon and Patriots head coach Bill Belichick are doing just that.
“He’s been great.” said Bill Belichick during his Thursday media availability. Judon has stated previously that Belichick is “arguably the best to ever coach in any sport”. Belichick, known as a defensive mastermind among many things, will likely find ways to put his defensive prize of free agency in a position to take advantage of his speed, power and uncanny knack to pressure the quarterback unblocked.
As far as new teammates, especially along the defensive front, Judon took the time Thursday to talk up a talented second year linebacker who many expect to take a significant step this season.
Pats fans have to love to hear that.
As far as Judon’s new teammates go, especially along the defensive front, they seem to think highly of him and his football skills. Like new defensive lineman Davon Godchaux, who compared Judon to Terrell Suggs on the field. And veteran linebacker Dont’a Hightower, sorely missed in 2020 due to his COVID opt-out, seems to think the unit will benefit greatly from Judon’s presence as well. " Judon is eager to learn, and whenever you have guys like that who have that extra energy and motivation to push themselves, it kind of feeds off on other guys." Judon reciprocated to Hightower saying “I can see why he makes plays because of the way he prepares.”
With all this early praise and presence it seems like Judon is doing his job and might be a perfect fit in Foxboro. Yet it’s this quote above all that has to be sweetest music to Belichick’s ears.
Judon took a big paycheck to get to the Patriots but looks to be traveling The Patriot Way to success early on.
