The New York Jets had every reason to be upset with the Patriots and NFL officials after Sunday’s Week 7 54-13 loss, but you can’t fault Patriots linebacker Matt Judon for how he handled the aftermath of the game.
On two straight plays in the first half, Jets quarterback Zach Wilson took brutal shots that should have drawn roughing penalties, but no flags were thrown. Wilson ended up leaving the game with a knee injury and is set for an MRI on Monday.
The first hit was especially dangerous with Lawrence Guy going low at the knee and twisting Wilson’s leg late. The next play, Judon hit Wilson late and drove him to the ground. That was when Wilson left the game.
Zach Wilson takes back to back brutal hits on the leg. Gross. No flags on either 🤔 protect the QB? pic.twitter.com/3GLbx8PTOe
— Jason McIntyre (@jasonrmcintyre) October 24, 2021
While it was unclear exactly which hit caused the injury (both looked bad), Judon clearly felt bad about being involved in a play that ended Wilson’s day. Judon took to Twitter after the game and sent a message of support for Wilson.
You hate to see injuries. Especially if you’re apart of them. I’ll be praying for you @ZachWilson. ✊🏾✊🏾
— Matthew Judon (@man_dammn) October 24, 2021
That’s as classy as it gets. And though Judon’s hit should have warranted a roughing penalty under the NFL’s current rules, it wasn’t nearly as a dangerous as the hit that Guy unloaded on Wilson. Judon was at least trying to make a football play.
You have to appreciate that kind of response. Nobody wants to see an opponent get hurt.
