The New England Patriots stunned football fans in 2020 as the franchise posted its worst record in 20 years. Bill Belchick led the team to just 7-9, which made for his worst coaching performance since his first season with the team.
But last year is in the past and the Patriots appear eager to put the 2020 season behind them. This offseason, the organization was aggressive in free agency and addressed a plethora of needs, no matter the price.
One free agent that joined the Patriots this spring was former Baltimore Ravens pass-rusher Matthew Judon. The two-time Pro Bowler inked a four-deal, worth up to $56 million, with $32 million guaranteed. Already, he sounds eager to get to work and turn things around in New England.
In an appearance on Good Morning Football, Judon explained that the Patriots have the expectation to improve during the 2021 campaign. With Belichick at the helm and the team’s new additions, the veteran pass-rusher sounds excited for the season ahead of him.
“Arguably the best coach to ever coach any sport; that’s what we have,” Judon said of Bill Belichick, via Mike Reiss of ESPN. “So with him leading a group of hungry, willing men, it’s nothing but up from last year. We’re going to start putting it together in a week, and then see where the chips lay.”
OLB Matt Judon (to @gmfb): “Arguably the best coach to ever coach any sport; that’s what we have. So with him leading a group of hungry, willing men, it’s nothing but up from last year. We’re going to start putting it together in a week, and then see where the chips lay.” https://t.co/LXzgodO9Xh
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) July 19, 2021
Judon was just one of many top-tier free agents signed by the Patriots during the franchise’s most aggressive offseason in recent memory. Other notable players the inked deals to join New England include Nelson Agholor, Kendrick Bourne, Hunter Henry, Jonnu Smith and Kyle Van Noy.
After last year’s disappointment the Patriots seem to be better-suited for a more successful run in 2021. However, Belichick and co. will still need to get past the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins if they hope to win the AFC East.
That sounds like a tall task, but time will tell if this year’s Patriots team is up for the challenge.
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