On Monday, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that New England Patriots (1-3) CB Christian Gonzalez and LB Matthew Judon are out for the near future due to injuries suffered in Sunday's 38-3 loss to the Dallas Cowboys (3-1).
Judon is a four-time Pro Bowler who recorded 15.5 sacks in 2022. Gonzalez is a legitimate Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate who, in just the first month of the regular season, has already held his own against elite receivers like A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith and Tyreek Hill.
Patriots’ first-round pick Christian Gonzalez and pass-rushing standout Matthew Judon both are out indefinitely while they seek second opinions on their injuries, per sources. Gonzalez injured his shoulder, Judon suffered a lower bicep tendon tear.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 2, 2023
Two significant losses.
Before Sunday, New England was already missing cornerbacks Marcus Jones (shoulder), Jack Jones (hamstring), Jonathan Jones (ankle) and DT Daniel Ekuale (bicep), all important players on New England's defense.
By adding superstars Judon and Gonzalez to the long list of injured defensive players, the Patriots have entered crisis mode for several reasons.
Hunter Luepke takes it in from the 3-yard line, TOUCHDOWN DALLAS!! His first career NFL touchdown extends the #Cowboys lead to 38-3!! #DallasCowboys
— Grayson Pierce (@GraysonPierce4) October 1, 2023
pic.twitter.com/UQLUCvXwxM
Currently, the best corner on the Patriots active roster is 25-year-old Myles Bryant.
Bryant has been solid from time to time, but he is nowhere near first cornerback material due to his inconsistency. On any other NFL team, Bryant would be viewed as a rotational depth piece.
Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb scored a touchdown with Bryant in coverage on Sunday.
Dak Prescott to CeeDee Lamb. Touchdown Cowboys! pic.twitter.com/w1C1nnKOO7
— Arye Pulli (@AryePulli) October 1, 2023
The second corner on the Patriots roster is Shaun Wade, who has seen just 143 snaps in his entire three-year career. For reference, the average NFL offense snaps the ball 153 times in a single game.
New England's current cornerback situation is atrocious and one of the worst in the entire NFL. Fortunately, Jack Jones has hinted at returning soon from his hamstring injury, but for now, barring further change, Bryant and Wade are projected to be the starting cornerbacks for the upcoming weeks, which will likely not end in New England's favor.
— Jack Jones♂️ (@presidentjacc) September 29, 2023
New England's pass rush situation is also filled with questions in light of recent injuries.
With 31-year-old Judon out, the Patriots will have to rely on less experienced names to bring consistent pressure to opposing quarterbacks. Because the Patriots pass defense is remarkably weak, the team will be relying on quarterback pressure to bail it out of poor coverage.
A name that may see an increased workload is rookie Keion White, who has promising film.
Keion White is real life Wreck-It Ralph https://t.co/nG5FLXGT2g pic.twitter.com/jvs9I8Ka2D
— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) October 2, 2023
The team will be relying on White to step into Judon's role, which is a big ask, especially with White's inexperience. In the case he underperforms and the rest of the pass rush remains mediocre, the Patriots defense will have trouble keeping up with some of the teams on the schedule.
New England has been relying on its defense to carry it to victories. The Patriots offense has been dreadful to begin the season, scoring just 55 points through four games.
If the defense does not adapt to the current situation and the offense continues to struggle, games will start dropping left and right, and the playoffs will soon be far out of reach.
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