Matthew Judon Has 'It Factor,' According to NFL Coach, The QB Barometer, More | 4 Downs

Matthew Judon Traded, Haason Reddick Continues to Sit, Plus Quarterback Bonanza Unfolds.

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The second week of the preseason offered the clearest glimpse yet of what to expect from several teams across the NFL, as they played their starters at least deep into the second quarter in some cases, while a blockbuster trade upgraded one of the most fascinating defenses in the NFC.

Inside Four Downs this week, a look at how Matthew Judon can bolster the Atlanta Falcons, the Quarterback Barometer reveals where things stand in some of the more interesting position battles across the league, and agents offer their take on how things devolved so quickly between Haason Reddick and the Jets, and where things go from here.

Let’s get right to it …

First Down: How Matthew Judon ‘Takes Some Pressure Off’ for Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons made a big splash to bolster Raheem Morris’ defense and to make a push in the AFC South, acquiring four-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Matthew Judon in a trade with the New England Patriots.

Judon and his 66.5 sacks now land opposite All-Pro Grady Jarett, forming a formidable duo in one of the more wide-open divisions in the NFL.

Before making the move to add Judon, the Falcons were hoping second-year defensive end Zach Harrison would build on his three-sack rookie campaign.

Now, there isn’t nearly as much pressure on the former third-round draft choice.

“I’m thinking he’s there to help Grady Jarett along the defensive line,” former All-Pro defensive end Hugh Douglas told me, of the Judon trade. “He’ll take some of the pass-rush pressure off Grady, and I think he still has upside. Matthew had four sacks last year and has something to prove coming off an injury.”

As it turns out, Atlanta was Judon’s preferred destination after weeks of his name swirling in trade speculation.

"One addendum to the Patriots/Falcons trade of last week: New England, believing the Bears and Falcons were in a similar category, and with offers from both, gave OLB Matthew Judon his choice of being dealt to Atlanta or Chicago," Breer posted on X on Sunday. "Judon, obviously, picked Atlanta." '

Judon obviously has added motivation to make a strong impression on his new team, but also to prove he can remain an explosive and disruptive pass-rusher, after a torn biceps ended his 2023 season after just four weeks.

One NFL coach believes the Falcons are going to wind up big winners of this trade.