New England Patriots linebacker Matthew Judon revealed something about the defense when speaking with media members, and it has been a key piece of the Patriots’ success.
He revealed third-year linebacker Josh Uche is calling the plays on third down. The latter has been an emerging presence in the New England defense. The entire defense had a big day against the Indianapolis Colts last Sunday when recording nine sacks and coming away with a 26-3 victory.
Uche did his part by racking up three sacks in the game and exceeding his total from the entire 2021 season in the process. Judon has taken the former Michigan star under his wing and is proud of how he’s progressing. He elaborated on shared responsibilities Friday morning, per Sean T. McGuire of NESN.com.
“I don’t know if y’all know, but Josh actually calls the plays out there when we’re on third down,” said Judon. “So our execution is from him.
“That’s hard for somebody that’s in year three, and hasn’t had that much success in the NFL, and it’s third and long and he has to make the right call, right? So for him to come out there, and have a game like he had and play lights out like that, that just allows him to see what he can do in this league.”
The Patriots could use help in providing a pass rush alongside Judon. Uche’s emergence could certainly be an encouraging sign in that area.
New England has a tough schedule over the next couple weeks, and a multi-faceted pass rush could be key to success with matchups against high-powered offenses on horizon.
