3 Patriots players stepping up big to help save the season

Oct 31, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; New England Patriots running back Damien Harris (37) carries the ball against the Los Angeles Chargers in the second half at SoFi Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Chargers 27-24. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

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INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 31: Matt Judon #9 of the New England Patriots celebrates after recording a sack in the second quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on October 31, 2021 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

2. Matthew Judon

Judon was one of the many splash signings made by the Patriots during free agency and he is living up to his lucrative contract with a dominant season pass rushing off the edge.

The former Baltimore Raven had 1.5 sacks, two quarterback hits and a tackle for loss against the Chargers. He now has eight sacks for the year, putting him 1.5 shy of his career-high, achieved with the Ravens back in 2019.

Judon appears destined to surpass that mark having adapted seamlessly into the Patriots’ defensive system and proven a thorn in the side of almost every quarterback he has faced this season.

The Dolphins and the Cowboys are the only teams to have met the Patriots this season and not seen their quarterback sacked by Judon.

Judon ended a run of two games without a sack with his performance in Week 8, timing arguably his most influential display perfectly as he again proved a hugely disruptive force in the Patriots’ biggest game of the season.

He will have the benefit of facing a struggling offensive line in Week 9 when the Patriots visit the Carolina Panthers and, if New England does reach the postseason, the signing of Judon will serve as one of the most astute acquisitions of 2021.

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