Center David Andrews is the only player to take every offensive snap for New England this season and his play makes him deserving of a Pro Bowl nod. Danny Karnik/Associated Press
Winners of seven straight, the Patriots have clearly asserted themselves as one of the NFL’s top teams.
They lead their division, their conference and may even tie for or finish with the league’s best record.
But what about individually?
Where do Patriots players rank at their respective positions amid the team’s renaissance? The league’s Pro Bowl announcement will offer some insight on Dec. 20, after fan voting ends next week. Bill Belichick recently credited the team’s return to contention following a miserable 2020 season to “better players.”
So how many deserve a Pro Bowl nod? Here are the top five Patriots who deserve to be recognized in 10 days.
DAVID ANDREWS
It’s time to give the captain his due.
The literal centerpiece of the Patriots’ best position group, Andrews is the only player to take every offensive snap this season. He’s allowed one sack in 455 pass-blocking snaps and owns the second-best allowed pressure rate among Patriot O-linemen. Andrews’ ability to clear defenders at the second level has also helped elevate the Patriots to a top-five ranking in yards per attempt on screen passes.
Best of all, among centers with at least 500 snaps this season, he ranks sixth by Pro Football Focus grades and fifth in pass protection.
That’s a Pro Bowl player.
SHAQ MASON
Ever since he entered the league in 2015, the right guard has been regarded as one of the Patriots’ fiercest run-blockers. Then, he was rightfully recognized as one of the best run-blockers in the entire league. Now, Mason should be appreciated for what he’s become: an elite all-around player.
Mason is the Patriots’ only starting offensive lineman who hasn’t allowed a sack this year, per the Boston Herald’s game charting. He’s allowed five pressures total, fewest among O-linemen who have started at least half the season. Mason and Trent Brown form arguably the most terrifying run-blocking duo in the AFC.
No surprise, since Brown returned to the starting lineup in Week 10, the Pats have averaged 5.7 yards per carry when running right, the second-highest figure in the league, per Sports Info. Solutions.
Like Andrews, Mason ranks in the top five at his position, according to PFF grades. He’s a magnificent mauler.
Linebacker Matt Judon has 12.5 sacks this season, but his play is only part of the story of the impact he has made for New England this season. Mary Schwalm/Associated Press
MATT JUDON
What more can you say?
Judon’s 12.5 sacks rank second in the NFL. He leads the Patriots in sacks, quarterback hits and hurries. Belichick regularly schemes 1-on-1 opportunities for him in passing situations, and the linebacker repeatedly delivers, including twice in the red zone.
The former Raven has not only fit seamlessly into the Pats’ system, but he’s helped mold the locker room. His statistics in a career year make the case by themselves, and yet there’s so much more to why Judon deserves to make the Pro Bowl. He’s one of the best at his position, and has been for three years now.
Punch his ticket already.
J.C. JACKSON
Seven interceptions. Seventeen pass deflections. One forced fumble, and a pick-six.
If fans across the league didn’t know Jackson’s name already, they will now. Mr. INT has been impossible to miss this season, particularly for opposing quarterbacks who should be treating him like they once did Stephon Gilmore. In November, the cornerback allowed four catches total, intercepted three passes and forced a fumble.
He later became the first Patriots player to be named Defensive Player of the Month since 2019, when Gilmore won and was later named Defensive Player of the Year. Jackson isn’t to that level yet, but he’s absolutely in Pro Bowl territory now.
NICK FOLK
A career year at 37? A career year at 37.
Folk has drilled 33 of 36 field goals this year, with all three of his misses beyond 50 yards. He’s already matched a career high for most field goals made in a season. Had the Patriots won more close games, there’s a case to be made Folk is their MVP.
Alas, he should at least settle for Pro Bowl honors soon. He’s been the best placekicker in the entire league.
Honorable mention: Safety Adrian Phillips, special teamer Matthew Slater, long snapper Joe Cardona.
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