“Falcons’ Investment in Matthew Judon Falters as Pass-Rush Struggles Persist”
Matthew Judon has struggled significantly this season—there’s no sugarcoating it. The spark he once had with the Patriots seems to be missing, leaving Falcons’ GM Terry Fontenot likely regretting the decision to trade a third-round pick for him.
So far, the veteran edge rusher has just one and a half sacks on the season and hasn’t registered a sack since Week 2 against the Eagles. Since Week 3, he hasn’t even managed a quarterback hit.
While the Falcons’ coaching staff has publicly praised Judon, likely the right PR move, those comments won’t fool fans or analysts. Judon, who was expected to help the team’s pass-rush woes, currently ranks as one of the bottom 25 edge defenders, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF).
With a pass rush and run defense grade both under 56, and an overall grade of 47.5, his performance has been a disappointment. Fortunately, he didn’t force the team into a hefty extension like Haason Reddick did with his team, opting instead to prove himself first—a decision he might now be second-guessing.
The Falcons can only hope that the player with 68 career sacks will regain his form. Coming off a season-ending injury, it’s possible his struggles are linked to that. If Judon doesn’t step up, the Falcons’ defense could continue its downward trend.