In a game that came down to a final drive and featured two stout defenses who kept opposing mobile quarterbacks in relative check, it might not come as a surprise that a defensive player is the Baltimore Ravens’ player of the game in Week 14 against the Bills. If you watched the game, you likely aren’t very shocked we’re awarding it to outside linebacker Matthew Judon.
Judon was a major factor in this game, starting rattling early. In the first quarter, Judon rattled Bills quarterback Josh Allen, notching a sack and stripping the ball in the process. That would prophesize the type of day Judon would ultimately have, finishing with 1.5 credited sacks (though it certainly looked like two), a forced fumble, a tackle for a loss and five overall tackles.
With Buffalo hanging around until the last drive, Judon’s efforts may have been the difference. Allen couldn’t really get into a rhythm the entire game thanks to the pressure Judon and the defense was bringing, way overshooting on several of his passes. Had the defensive backs actually caught a few of the passes that landed in their hands, Judon could have very well been responsible for even more turnovers.
In what has become a career year for the Ravens’ top pass rusher, the question looms as to whether or not Judon will remain in Baltimore after the offseason. It seems we go through this every year — the Ravens have an elite player on defense that seems to play his best football in his contract year, opening the door for a big payday. Sadly, it seems the offer they sign ends up coming from another team.
Whether or not general manager Eric DeCosta feels Judon is worth keeping around remains to be seen, but the outside linebacker has been a cornerstone of the Ravens’ defense this season. And Judon’s level of play will certainly be a necessity as the Ravens look ahead toward the post-season. In a season where everyone has been overshadowed by Lamar Jackson, Matthew Judon made sure no one forgot him.
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