The Atlanta Falcons have made a significant move to bolster their pass rush by acquiring four-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Matt Judon from the New England Patriots. The trade sees the Falcons part with a third-round pick, reflecting the considerable value Judon brings to a team in desperate need of defensive talent.
Judon’s Impact and History
Judon joins the Falcons after a tumultuous period with the Patriots. He held-in during New England's training camp, aiming for a new contract, a testament to his value and impact on the field. His performance over the past two seasons, recording 28.0 sacks from 2021 through 2022, ties him for the third-most in the NFL during that period. Judon's 15.5 sacks in 2022 and 12.5 sacks in 2021 rank as the third and fourth-most in a single season in Patriots history since 1982.
Unfortunately, Judon's 2023 season was cut short due to a torn lower bicep injury in Week 4. Despite this setback, his quarterback pressure rate over the past three seasons stands at an impressive 15.7%, placing him seventh in the league. Such statistics underscore Judon's consistent threat to opposing quarterbacks and his potential impact in Atlanta.
The Falcons’ Defensive Woes
The Falcons have struggled defensively in recent years, particularly in terms of quarterback pressure. Since 2021, Atlanta has had the worst team quarterback pressure rate at 27.6%. Their 2023 season saw marginal improvement with a 32.7% pressure rate, ranking 25th in the NFL. The team tied for 21st in sacks with 42.0 sacks, highlighting a significant area in need of improvement.
Adding to their defensive challenges, the Falcons recently drafted Ruke Orhorhoro from Clemson in the second round, indicating a commitment to building a robust defensive line. However, they have faced setbacks, such as Washington edge rusher Bralen Trice tearing his ACL in the preseason opener and failing to secure Montez Sweat, who was traded to the Chicago Bears instead.
Falcons’ Strategic Moves
In their quest to revamp their pass rush, the Falcons attempted to trade up to draft UCLA All-American edge rusher Laiatu Latu, who ultimately went to the Indianapolis Colts at 15th overall. Reflecting on these efforts, the trade for Judon represents a hard-fought victory for Atlanta after striking out twice when trying to trade for pass-rush help within the past year.
Judon’s excitement about his new home in Atlanta is palpable, with reports indicating he’s already figuring out where to live in relation to Mercedes-Benz Stadium. This enthusiasm is a positive sign for the Falcons, who hope Judon can help elevate their defensive unit and end their playoff drought dating back to 2016.
Patriots’ Rebuilding Phase
The trade also marks the Patriots' focus on rebuilding and acquiring draft capital, crucial for the new regime led by head coach Jerod Mayo and executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf. The Patriots finished the 2023 season with a 4-13 record, compounded by their worst scoring offense since 1992, managing only 13.9 points per game.
In a bid to turn their fortunes around, the Patriots drafted North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye third overall in the 2024 NFL Draft and signed Jacoby Brissett to a one-year deal to mentor the young quarterback. This strategy showcases the Patriots' commitment to laying a solid foundation for future success.
Building Toward the Future
The Falcons, meanwhile, have shown they are serious about addressing their pass-rush issues. In addition to Judon, the team made headlines by signing quarterback Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal with $100 million guaranteed. With these moves, Atlanta is clearly aiming to fortify both sides of the ball to become a competitive force once again.
As the Falcons integrate Matt Judon into their lineup, they’re hopeful that his proven track record will translate to an immediate and substantial impact. For now, Atlanta's fans can look forward to seeing a reinvigorated defensive effort from a team that is decidedly on the rise.