The New England Patriots‘ chances of making the playoffs this season are now endangered after they got dismantled by the Dallas Cowboys in Week 4, 38-3.
At one point, quarterback Mac Jones got benched in favor of Bailey Zappe, but it didn’t do them any good, as Dallas completely dominated them in just about every facet of the game.
Things got even worse for New England afterward, as it was announced that pass rusher Matthew Judon has a lower bicep tendon tear and cornerback Christian Gonzalez suffered a shoulder injury.
Both men will reportedly be out indefinitely as a result, per Adam Schefter.
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
Judon has made the Pro Bowl in each of the last four seasons, and last year he put up 15.5 sacks, 28 quarterback hits, and 14 tackles for loss.
So far this season he has 4.0 sacks, nine QB hits, and five tackles for loss, and he will be a huge loss for Bill Belichick’s crew.
Gonzalez, who was the No. 17 pick in April’s draft, has started each of the team’s four games and shown some promise with three passes defended and one interception.
The Patriots will face some stiff competition, as they will play the New Orleans Saints next week before taking on the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins in Week 7 and Week 8, respectively.
If they are to return to the playoffs this winter, they will need to win at least one of those three contests, not just to beef up their record but also to make a statement to themselves and the rest of the NFL.
The post Patriots Receive Terrible News On 2 Key Defenders appeared first on The Cold Wire.