Fansided

5 bold predictions for New England Patriots in 2021

By Rucker Haringey

FOXBOROUGH, MA - JANUARY 03: Cam Newton #1 of the New England Patriots on the sideline during a game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on January 3, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA - JANUARY 03: Cam Newton #1 of the New England Patriots on the sideline during a game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on January 3, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /
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New England Patriots predictions, Matthew Judon
CINCINNATI, OHIO – JANUARY 03: Outside linebacker Matt Judon #99 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates after the Ravens defeated the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on January 03, 2021 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

2. Matthew Judon will get benched before Week 8

Signing Judon to a four-year deal up to $56 million was the Patriots’ most expensive defensive acquisition of the offseason. Unlike the move to sign Henry, this transaction isn’t going to work out for New England.

Judon’s productivity in Baltimore was propped up by the Ravens’ defensive system and the quality talent surrounding him. His support system in New England will be weaker on both fronts.

Last season’s PFF grade of just 59.4 should have served as a real cautionary sign for the Patriots. Instead, they opted to give the 28-year-old edge rusher big money to become their No. 1 sack artist.

Prediction Judon to get benched is risky because New England lacks an obvious successor. Watching him get stonewalled on the edge for weeks on end is going to wear Belichick’s nerves out quickly though. Look for him to give a relatively untested option the chance to take over for Judon before the season’s midway point. Judon might take his job back, but it’s going to be a bumpy season for him.

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