Patriots' Matthew Judon delivers stern message about 2024

After a disappointing 2023 season for the New England Patriots and star edge-rusher Matthew Judon, the eight-year veteran is excited to get back on the field. He also has a message to deliver.

"I'm out for a vendetta," Judon said Thursday on "The Money Down Podcast." "I got [expletive] to prove, and I got stuff I want to get done in my career. Personally, I'm on all B.S. all year. I'm about to turn the dial back."

New England is coming off one of its worst seasons, finishing 4-13 and last in the AFC East.

Judon missed most of the season due to a bicep injury. In four games, he had four sacks, still good for fourth on the team.

Entering his fourth season in New England, Judon has a new coach, Jerod Mayo, who has replaced Bill Belichick.

"As far as the state of the Patriots, I can't speak about the locker room, I haven't been there, but I know it's not going to be the same," Judon said. "It's not going to be the same Patriots. It's going to look different. It's going to feel different. We're not laying down for nobody. We're not trying to rebuild."

Judon and the rest of the Patriots' defense will once again be relied upon heavily. Whether it be Jacoby Brissett or first-round pick Drake Maye starting at QB, it will be difficult to expect the offense to return to the glory days under Tom Brady. 

New England lacks weapons at wide receiver even though it attempted to improve at the position by drafting Ja'Lynn Polk and Javon Baker in the 2024 NFL Draft. 

As far as proven talent, veterans Demario Douglas, Kendrick Bourne and JuJu Smith-Schuster lead the way on the depth chart. That won't lead to a ton of confidence among Patriots fans.

While Judon believes that New England isn't rebuilding, the fact that the organization has a new head coach and selected new offensive weapons in the draft indicates just that. 

It will take a herculean effort from Judon and New England's defense for the Patriots to even be in contention for the postseason.