FOXBOROUGH – The Patriots are going to attempt to move on without the best player on their roster, Matthew Judon. It’s a task that not one player will be able to handle alone.
After four games, Judon’s tied for sixth in the NFL in sacks (four), tied for fourth in quarterback hits (nine), and tied for fifth in tackles for loss (five). A Pro Bowler in his last four seasons, you can argue that the Patriots can’t replace a player like this.
After Judon had surgery on Wednesday to repair a torn lower biceps tendon, the Patriots will move forward with a group of younger edge rushers looking to fill the void. One player that’s on everyone’s radar is second-round pick Keion White.
Drafted 46th overall, White has played a reserve role on the Patriots defense. With Judon out for months (and maybe the season), White will earn more playing.
“(Judon) is a very important piece of this defense. You can’t replace him with one guy. We’ll have to contribute and fill his role,” said White, who was then asked what he learned from Judon. “It’s hard to kind of put into words – just how he works and how hard he goes every day is one thing you try to emulate and take that to the game.”
$200 INSTANT BONUS
DRAFTKINGS MASS
BET $5, GET $200 BONUS BET
FANDUEL MASS
BET $50, GET $250 BONUS
CAESARS MASS
$1,000 FIRST-BET BONUS
BETMGM MASS
MA only. 21+. Gambling Problem? If you or a loved one is experiencing problems with gambling, please call 1-800-327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org for 24/7 support. LiveChat with a GameSense Advisor at GameSenseMA.com or call 1-800-GAM-1234
MA Gambling Helpline.
White’s appeared in all four games this season, making one start. He has one pass breakup and one tackle. He’s played around 30% of the Patriots defense snaps to start his career, but that will likely change. With Judon out, players like White and Anfernee Jennings will likely play a bigger role.
Although White hasn’t filled up the stat sheet this year, his playing strength and the way he pushes offensive linemen back has been noteworthy. He said that physicality is the key to his game, but he’s also hoping to improve as the rest of the season plays out.
“Playing physical or trying to,” White said. “I definitely have to clean up a lot of techniques and some things where I’m reading the wrong blocks and the wrong keys. But just trying to be physical first and foremost is a big deal, especially as a d-lineman.”
After losing Judon and rookie cornerback Christian Gonzalez, the Patriots will need more playmakers to step up. For White, coming to the NFL represents a dream come true, but he admitted this first season is a challenge. Now, he’s looking to step up.
“I’m getting used to it. As a rookie, it’s a lot coming into it,” White said. “You kind of have to suffer well and suffer through it. But I’m getting used to it for sure.”
- NFL fans can wager online on Massachusetts sports betting with enticing promo codes from top online sportsbooks. Use the FanDuel Massachusetts promo code and the DraftKings Massachusetts promo code for massive new user bonuses.
