The New England Patriots appeared lifeless in their 38-3 loss to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 4. They also unfortunately lost two defensive stars that could drastically impact the rest of their season.
Patriots star pass rusher Matthew Judon has been one of the most impactful players in the league since joining the Patriots in the 2022 season.
He unfortunately left Sunday’s game against Dallas with a shoulder injury.
#Patriots Pro Bowl edge Matthew Judon suffers and injury late in the game against the #Cowboys. pic.twitter.com/15pClj401t
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) October 1, 2023
Rookie cornerback Christian Gonzalez also left Sunday’s game with an injury while attempting to make a tackle on Cowboys running back Tony Pollard.
Most obvious angle of Christian Gonzalez's injury pic.twitter.com/d7E4BkbKED
— Meme Sorta (@memesorta) October 1, 2023
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, both Gonzalez and Judon are going to be out indefinitely with their respective injuries while they seek second opinions on their injuries. Gonzalez was officially diagnosed with a torn right shoulder labrum, while Judon suffered a lower bicep tendon tear.
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.
Two significant losses.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 2, 2023
This is obviously disastrous news for the Patriots considering they were already struggling with these two impact players on the field. And fans believe that this could make their struggles even worse moving forward.
This is the first time I’ve been here in my fanhood career with any spot but I genuinely hope we go 3-14
It won’t happen but, it would be sweet to have a Top 5 Pick https://t.co/05NN2wHLEN
— Football (@BostonConnr) October 2, 2023
“Christian Gonzalez and Matthew Judon both are out indefinitely while they seek second opinions on their injuries” https://t.co/3nYE6Ws6Dj pic.twitter.com/AXWVqqB1mD
— Casey Baker (@_CaseyBaker) October 2, 2023
Season is over. Tank for a QB https://t.co/whjLwBv0NQ
— Matt Perrault (@sportstalkmatt) October 2, 2023
Just forfeit the rest of the season please https://t.co/Wk9Y3GJbeu
— TJ DGF (@TJ_DGF) October 2, 2023
There hasn’t been a positive unhurt update all year for the Patriots.
Things have just progressively gotten worse for everyone. https://t.co/mhbmWyN9N0
— Keagan Stiefel (@KeaganStiefel) October 2, 2023
Worst case scenario. When it rains it pours https://t.co/2EPJ0WRpOO
— Derek Havens (@PatriotsHaven) October 2, 2023
The Patriots’ defense has been the backbone of their team early on this season, ranking in the top ten in yards allowed per game through four games.
The loss of Gonzalez and Judon could certainly put that to the test, and they may need the offense to take a big leap forward in order to be competitive in games.
That will be easier said than done, especially since there are some serious question marks surrounding their quarterback situation. The Patriots notably benched quarterback Mac Jones in favor of Bailey Zappe in Week 4.
