Locked On Patriots - Daily Podcast On The New England Patriots - Quoth the Raven: Getting to Know New Patriots LB Matthew Judon — 4/1/2021

Episode Date: April 1, 2021

The New England Patriots have several new faces joining the Foxboro ranks this season. As part of Locked On Patriots “Getting to Know You” series, host Mike D’Abate welcomes Kevin Oestreicher, host of Locked On Ravens, to provide insight on the expected impact of new Pats’ linebacker, Matthew Judon. Mike also provides his thoughts on the remarks made to the media by team owner Robert Kraft on Wednesday afternoon.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built BarBuilt Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKED15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order.BetOnline AGThere is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus.Rock AutoAmazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You are Locked On Patriots, your daily New England Patriots podcast. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network, your team every day. Hello to all of you Foxborough faithful. You are now locked in to the Lockdown Patriots podcast. Today is Thursday, April 1st, 2021. But no April Fool's jokes here, folks, on your daily home. For news, notes, and analysis infused with the occasional opinion on your six-time Super Bowl champions, the New England Patriots. Lockdown Patriots is presented today by RockAuto.com.

Amazing selection, reliably low prices, all the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Greetings and salutations, Patriots Nation, and thank you once again for joining me here on the pod to kick off yet another month of 2021. Can you believe we're already in the second quarter of the calendar year? And what a month of March has been with the opening of the league year, free agency frenzy. And now that we're into April, we can finally say that at the end of this very month, the 2021 NFL Draft.

So be sure to keep it here for continued comprehensive draft coverage, including the very latest news notes and analysis from Foxborough. My name is Mike DeBate, your host of the Locked On Patriots podcast, which, of course, as always, is a proud part of the Locked On Podcast Network, your team every day. And folks, because it's your team every day, that means that your questions, your comments, and your feedback are always welcomed and very much appreciated.

So share that feedback, send it to the internet by reaching out to me and following me on Twitter at MDABATEFPC. And while you're out there doing some Thursday traveling through the Twitterverse, please be sure to follow the Lockdown Patriots account as well at LO underscore Patriots. Pats Nation, it is great to be back on the microphone here on Locked On Patriots. A brief personal break yesterday, but we are back, and back in a big way with three. Count them up, three shows still to come this week. Today here on the pod, I am joined by our own resident expert when it comes to the Baltimore

Ravens, Kevin Ostreicher, host of the Locked On Ravens podcast. And while this is not an official crossover, Kevin stops by the pod today to help us get to know new Patriots linebacker Matthew Judon. In my opinion, this was one of the more intriguing and exciting signings that the Patriots made this offseason. I love what Judon brings to the table in terms of positional versatility. Adding him to the stable of Patriots edge rushers really fortifies that position and helps the Patriots more than address really fortifies that position and helps the

Patriots more than address a great need that they had in 2020. The Pats had a great deal of issues setting the edge last year they won't have that this year and Matthew Judon is one of the big reasons why. So it's my honor today to welcome Kevin to the pod who better to help us get to know the new guy on the Patriots defense than my good friend and colleague who just happens to be one of the experts when it comes to Ravens media. But fear not, because we're not even close to being done for the week yet, not by a long shot. Not one, but two parts.

Two doses of Foxborough Finance. That's right. The great and powerful Wizard of Benzón himself will be stopping by the pod to help close out the week in style and much like the great Ric Flair, you know, we love to style and profile here on locked on Patriots, especially heading into the weekend,

the Pat's cap himself, Miguel Benz on stops by the pod, and we will talk about the aftermath of the Patriots free agent spending frenzy. We'll also discuss the impact of the remaining cap space on the upcoming 2021 NFL draft. And last but certainly not least, in a segment that is always unique to Locked On Patriots, Miguel sets the record straight. All of the salary cap myths that are floating around out there, Miguel will either confirm

or debunk them. And if you listened to the pod the last time Miguel was on the show, he definitely did not hold back. I always love sharing the microphone with Miguel, and this week on Friday, and again a bonus episode on Saturday, we give you a double dose of Foxborough Finance 101 with my good friend Miguel Benzon. And for those of you that just can't get enough draft coverage, and I know there are a lot of you out there and I don't blame any of you, the draft is one of my favorite times of year. Throughout the week, I've been ensconced in evaluating pro day performances, and that coverage will continue right here on Locked On Patriots,

starting with a little hashtag LockedOnMurfMonday. And stay tuned throughout the weekend, because just because Murph and I don't mock the draft, we muse the draft, that doesn't mean you're not allowed to mock the draft. Draft coverage gets interactive starting Monday here on Locked on Patriots, so keep a sharp eye out on the Locked on Patriots Twitter account, my personal Twitter account, and of course right here on your preferred listening device for details on how each and every one of you can be a part of the Locked on Patriots podcast as we march toward the draft at the end of the month.

So action-packed times ahead for the Locked On Patriots podcast, including an action-packed agenda today. But before I welcome in my good friend Kevin Ostreicher to talk a little Matthew Judon, formerly of the Baltimore Ravens today, I wanted to take a few moments to address what is the hot topic in Foxborough right now, and that is team owner Robert Kraft addressing the media on Wednesday afternoon. And Mr. Kraft certainly had a lot to say. He did answer some questions regarding Tom Brady's exit from New England a year ago.

To no one's surprise, he echoed the sentiments that a lot of us here in Patriots Nation would have hoped that Tom Brady could have retired a New England Patriot, but ultimately, after 20 years of service, he had the right to do anything that he wanted to do, and that's exactly what Tom did. Mr. Kraft also addressed the free agent spending so far this offseason, and provided some optimism on his outlook for the 2021 season, saying that he hoped that all the money that the Patriots had invested would lead to additional wins on the field. There's no question about it, the team owner was not happy with the 7-9 finish. And to be quite honest with you, you can't blame him for that.

Look, none of us are going to sit here and try to downplay the amount of success that the Patriots had over the course of the last 20 years, especially how unlikely and how unprecedented it's been. But when you're the owner of a team that has been a Super Bowl contender perennially for 20 years, when you finish 7-9, relinquish a division title that you've had a stranglehold on for over a decade, along with missing the playoffs, you're going to be upset. And that's exactly what happened with Robert Kraft. However, what seems to be the biggest takeaway from his press conference yesterday were the statements that he made regarding the NFL draft. And I'm

going to read Mr. Kraft's statements verbatim. Quote, if you want to have a good, consistent, winning football team, you can't do it in free agency. You have to do it through the draft. That's when you're able to get people of great talent. Whether it's Willie McGinnis or Tom Brady, you get them at a price where you can build a team and be competitive. Once they get to their first contract, if they're superstars, you can only balance so many of them. So really, the teams who draft well are the ones who will be consistently good. I don't feel we've done the greatest job the last few years, and I really hope, and I believe, I've seen a different approach this year."

Now, some have chose to spin these comments as being inflammatory. Some have also chosen to say they're inconsequential. Again, I go back to my favorite Aristotle quote, Virtue lies in the middle. And in my opinion, that's exactly where Robert Kraft's statement should be evaluated. They're certainly not inconsequential or blanket statements. This is not a team that usually airs their dirty laundry, so for Robert Kraft to go on record and to say that he feels the Patriots

need to be better in the drafting department is certainly something he believes. Where I think the argument goes off the rails is when people are saying that this is a pointed, scathing attack on Bill Belichick, the GM. If you listen to the entire press conference, if you go back and you read the transcript, the ultimate takeaway from Mr. Kraft's comments was that he simply was not happy with a 7-9 finish this year. Again, like I said, you're the owner of the team. You have every right not to be.

He didn't call out Bill Belichick directly and saying Bill has to do a better job drafting people. He simply made a statement that the approach the last couple of years has not necessarily been the best. A lot of that has been about luck, folks. When you draft players in the third, fourth, or fifth round, there is an equal chance that they won't make it as they will. If we're being honest, that same doubt exists with first and second round picks. The draft is not an exact science. You never really know for sure how these players are going to work out in the NFL until they're on the field, until you're able to see what they can produce

and how they're going to fit with this roster. Truth be told, that process can take up to a couple of years before you really see the value that a draft class can bring. Robert Kraft acknowledged that in his statements yesterday as well. I'm not seeing that publicized as much as some of the other comments that Mr. Kraft made yesterday, but whatever. Chase the almighty click. To me, one of the most important things, if not the most important thing that Robert Kraft had to say yesterday, was that he's seen a different approach.

And if there was a different approach being made, it means that Bill Belichick knows that improvements needed to be made. Bill's not sitting there on an iron throne saying, how dare you criticize my draft record. Bill knows better than anybody that some draft picks hit, some miss. And when you miss more than you hit, you need to make adjustments. That's exactly what the Patriots have done this year. And that new approach that Robert Kraft is talking about isn't just limited to Bill Belichick.

Let's not forget that Nick Casario is now the general manager of the Houston Texans. For all the good that Nick did in this organization, and I'm in no way disparaging Nick Casario, folks, he played a huge role in the Patriots draft preparations for the past few years. That responsibility now falls on Dave Ziegler. So whether it's drastic or whether it's subtle, there will be changes to the way the Patriots approach the draft this year. Whether that leads to more success is still anyone's guess.

We'll find out at the end of the month. But bottom line, for those that want to write the narrative that Robert hates Bill and Bill hates Robert, it's funny how that's the narrative now that Tom's not in town anymore. I don't think Robert Kraft's comments had anything to do with that yesterday. It was simply the feelings of an owner that was not happy with a 7-9 finish in 2020 and wants to see improvements and changes made for 2021. But once again, the draft is not the only way the Patriots plan on making changes to the roster, and their free agent spending spree as of late is a good indication of that. One player that they've brought in is a former two-time Pro Bowler

who has been a major part of a formidable pass rush for one of the Patriots' biggest rivals. Matthew Judon, formerly of the Baltimore Ravens, now of your New England Patriots. And to help us get to know Matthew, my good friend and colleague Kevin Ostriker will join us here on the hot seat when the Locked On Patriots podcast continues.

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than our resident expert on the Ravens right here at the Locked On Podcast Network. He is my friend and colleague, the host of Locked On Ravens, and a contributor for the Ravens Wire. Kevin Ostreicher joins me today. Kevin, welcome to Locked On Patriots. Mike, thanks so much for having me. It's been a crazy wild offseason throughout the entire league, and I know the Patriots have been one of those teams going out

and seemingly signing everybody and Matthew Judon. the Patriots definitely got a good one. Without any question. And this is a signing that has a lot of the Foxborough faithful excited. We know Bill Belichick has attention for the linebacker position ever since his days coaching guys like Lawrence Taylor. But Matt comes in with a lot of pedigree and a lot of hype. And this is one I think can definitely live up to it. Confidentially, we were talking earlier, and I'll definitely put this on the record now. This is my favorite signing that the Patriots made because I think the upside here is so amazing for the New England Patriots and Matt Judon here coming to Foxborough.

Again, Kevin, I've been a fan of him for a long time now. A fifth-round selection in 2016 when you look at what Matt Judon brings to the table and you look at the prowess he has on the field primarily used as an outside linebacker during his time in Baltimore that's where I expect to see him play the majority of his time with the Patriots in fact I think an argument can be made that he'll become the team's number one player on the edge I love the way Matt can keep runs from reaching the corner on early downs. He can also rush the quarterback in passing situations. Those are two things that the Patriots really struggled and had trouble with last year.

And I can also see him getting some off-the-ball snaps to create some favorable matchups as well. He's that versatile, and his size allows that. Kevin, Pats fans are excited about this one, but you know Matt's capabilities better than anyone. Let our listeners know here at Locked On Patriots, what type of player are the Patriots getting in Matt Judon? Yeah, Mike, I mean, Matthew Judon can do so many different things on the football field. I would expect him to primarily be that outside linebacker, probably lining up at Sam for the Patriots.

And what he brings to a team like New England is just the versatility. And the Ravens have been known across the entire NFL, but Baltimore loves the whole positionless defense thing. So Matthew Judot was asked to take on a ton of different roles in Baltimore that included setting the edge. And as you mentioned, he is a very, very good edge setter. And honestly, in my opinion, one of the best, and that's something the Ravens will sorely miss from their defense. Now, part of the reason the Ravens ended up letting Matthew Judon walk was because I think they wanted to give Tyus Bowser,

who came on really nicely in 2020, a shot, but that doesn't take away from the player that Judon is. He ended up having six sacks last season for the Ravens. That ended up being their total, their leader. He was their sack leader and 34 and a half career sack. So he gets to the quarterback and with Matthew Judon, he's also has some experience dropping into coverage. And I think that when you look at what the Patriots can do with him, lining him up all over the field, being able to say, all right, go after the quarterback on this play, be able to help us with the run this play, be able to drop back into coverage of this play. That's really valuable all across the defense because it opens up the field for other guys who are able to put different guys in different positions to be successful. and Judon is someone who the Ravens relied on a lot because over the past couple of seasons they've struggled to generate some pressure and generate sacks on a consistent level especially

while rushing four and they've had guys opposite of him like Sidarius Smith obviously Terrell Suggs was there for a bit while Judon was there Yannick Ngakwe is a recent example but Matthew Judon seemed to be one of the Ravens if not the Ravens best pass rusher for a couple years here and with Sidarius Smith leaving he obviously went to Green Bay became one of the best pass rushers in the NFL people were saying wait all right the Ravens chose not to re-sign Smith they're going to re-sign Judon and ultimately they lose both so the Ravens have some big holes to fill in the edge rusher position but matthew judon i think is going to play a lot of different roles for this patriots team absolutely and the positional versatility

is something that i absolutely love about matthew judon again saw most of his action with baltimore on the line of scrimmage the outside linebacker position like you've outlined but that being said you talked about him possibly dropping back moving into into coverage. His size listed at 6'3", 260 pounds. That's definitely more size than the Patriots have had at that position in quite some time. That makes him a candidate to play an off-the-ball role in the box. If the Patriots do use him that way, I can see him in one of two ways, either essentially becoming that hybrid move-type linebacker in the mold of a Dante Hightower, or maybe some of the young players that they have on this roster, like a Josh Uche and

Anthony Jennings, or even playing some off the ball snaps, kind of like a Kyle Van Noy did in 2019. That's one of the first things I thought about this signing. And then when the Patriots brought in Kyle, once again, I was like, wow, this could really be something fun. In terms of positional versatility and all over the field, once again, I was like, wow, this could really be something fun. In terms of positional versatility and all over the field, once again, the Patriots always place a premium on special teams as well. Is that a role that you can see Matt Judon playing, or do you think it's really primarily

on defense that his prowess and his impact is going to be felt. Yeah, Mike, I could certainly see Matthew Judon taking some special team snaps if he's asked to. I remember a couple years ago, I can't pinpoint the exact year, but Marlon Humphrey and Matthew Judon, two of the star players, they were both stars at this time. They were primarily playing on special teams. And you sometimes see that with these star players, they're kind of like, I don't really want to play special teams you know I'm this defensive player but Matthew Judon is truly all about the team and I know we're going to talk a bit about this in a little bit but he truly embraces the role that is just the person who he is so if Matthew Judon is asked to play special teams I'm sure he would have no problem with that whatsoever he did it in Baltimore you know being a fifth round pick out

of Grand Valley State he had to get a start somewhere and he played some special teams for the Ravens, especially early on in his career. But even transitioning from that early player, you know, rookie second year guy to the star that he now is, even if he's asked to play some special teams, I'm sure he would have no qualms about it. Yeah. And one of the big things that I was doing when i was looking at research in terms of matthew judon and obviously you look at the defensive prowess that he brings but it did surprise me that he's played over 500 special team snaps during his five seasons as a raven uh kicking game value was something where the ravens chose to utilize him in that fashion

but last couple of seasons just 132 combined snaps in those between 2019 and 2020 all of them on the punt return and the field goal extra point blocking unit so while there is an argument to be made that he can play special teams i don't think the patriots are going to use him as a core special teamer but you know bill belichick and you know how he loves to employ his players all over the field we've seen guys like Rob Gronkowski taking significant special team snaps here in New England he utilizes that to the best of his ability and it's nice to know that along with the positional versatility he brings to the table that he also brings some special team prowess as well this is definitely a Bill Belichick signing folks and Matt Judon I think can definitely live up to the hype Kevin

I really do appreciate all of the information you've given us so far and folks he's given us Bill Belichick signing folks and Matt Judon, I think can definitely live up to the hype. Kevin, I really do appreciate all of the information you've given us so far and folks, he's given us a great background on Matthew Judon. It's been great getting to know the new guy, but Kevin knows that Matt Judon can be an asset off the field as well as on the field. And in just a moment,

Kevin Ostriker will give us some insight on Matt Judon, the man and the teammate, and why he might not be too homesick in Foxborough for too long. This and more when the Locked On Patriots podcast continues. Locked On listeners, are you ready for the NFL Draft? Join Locked On NFL Draft hosts Trevor Sycamore and Benjamin Salik as they give you their latest positional rankings and analysis on 2021 draft prospects, and team-centric guest mocks are right around the corner. Follow the Locked On NFL Draft podcast on the Odyssey app or wherever you get your podcasts.

Patriots fans Kevin Ostreicher, host of Locked On Ravens, joins us today, helping us get to know Matthew Judon, formerly of the Baltimore Ravens. And Kevin, we've talked some of the positional prowess and versatility that Matthew brings to the Patriots. We did so in the previous segment. But now it's time to get to know Matthew Judon, the teammate, Matthew Judon, the man. And even with the reacquisition of Kyle Van Noy at the outside linebacker position, Matthew Judon essentially becomes one of the elder statesmen in that locker room, especially at the linebacker position. Along with Van Noy and of course, Dante Hightower, he's one of the elder statesmen in that locker room, especially at the linebacker position.

Along with Van Nooyen, of course, Dante Hightower, he's one of the most experienced players in that linebacker room. And that may mean that he's called upon to be a mentor to some of the younger players the Patriots have at the linebacker position. Guys like Josh Uche, Anthony Jennings, maybe even a Chase Winovich. Kevin, if Matthew is called upon to fill this role, what type of a mentor might Matthew Judon make in New England? Jennings, maybe even a Chase Winovich. Kevin, if Matthew is called upon to fill this role, what type of a mentor might Matthew Judon make in New England?

I think he'd make a phenomenal mentor. I mean, Matthew Judon is someone who has been brought along by guys I talked about a bit earlier, like a Terrell Suggs and Darius Smith a bit, although he was only a year or so older. And even guys like Pernell McPhee, Matthew Judon has a vast array of NFL knowledge. He is a very smart football player, a very high IQ football player. And being able to provide that to the younger players, I mean, the Ravens have had some young outside linebackers come in when Matthew Judon, you know, sometimes has to say, hey, you know, can you coach this guy up? Can you coach that guy up? Tyus Bowser, as I talked about Jalen Ferguson, for example. So now that Matthew Judon, you know, he's this this guy up? Can you coach that guy up? Tyus Bowser, as I talked about, Jalen Ferguson, for example. So now that Matthew Judon, you know, he's this big contract guy now.

And with those big contracts, sometimes and most of the time, those contracts have big responsibilities attached to them in the locker room. And I think Matthew Judon is ready for that role. He can be a leader. He is very vocal. And that's something that a lot of Ravens fans liked about his personality is the fact that he was vocal and so in a locker room he certainly has every single capability of being a leader and I think that he could fill that role really nicely for the Patriots absolutely and I'm that's great insight especially when it comes to being able to

fill that type of a role and also being able to utilize the players around him and that leads me quite nicely into my final question for you tonight bud and matt judon right now comes into a new environment as a matter of fact we know now that he got the call that he was going to be a new england patriot while he was visiting disney world so an interesting place to find out that you're going to be a new england patriot and he had some great things to say about his time in Baltimore. He seems to be really excited about his time in New England. But it's a new situation. And he did acknowledge that in his introductory press conference here in New England,

saying that he needs time to learn the system. He needs time to learn the Patriot way of doing things. And I don't mean that quote-unquote Patriot way, folks. I mean their way of playing defense the defensive schemes the coaching things of that nature he's coming into a new environment but he might have some familiar faces in that locker room this year a couple of former Ravens teammates especially a couple on the defensive side of the ball Carl Davis at the defensive tackle position former Raven as well, and also defensive tackle

Lawrence Guy, who is now re-signed with the Patriots and will be a big part of the middle of that interior of the defensive line. How big is that from that to have some familiarity with these guys? And ultimately, do you think it'll play to his strengths in fitting in in New England? I absolutely think it does. And I think for any player, when you go into a new situation, there's always a sense of excitement and a sense of nervousness as well. And with Matthew Judon having a couple of guys there who he can, you know, say, hey, you know, in Baltimore, where'd you live? Or what'd you do here in the castle? Guys who he's had relationships with and can form new relationships with as teammates in New England,

I mean, that's always a really big thing. And especially with, you know, maybe the potential leader qualities that Matthew Judon might be asked to have in New England, having guys who he knows and having guys who he could rely on is a really big factor here. And for the Ravens and just why, and another reason why the Ravens ended up letting Matthew Judon walk was because, you know, sometimes the Ravens just felt like the contract that he would have gotten from Baltimore might have just been too big with the cap space that they just didn't have. Matthew Judon was very vocal about the fact that, look, I would love to stay in Baltimore, but it's also really exciting to me to think about a new opportunity, new teammates, new

coaches. So he was very open to the fact, even before he hit unrestricted free agency of, you know what, you know, Baltimore's great and everything, but what if I were to go here? What if I were to go there? And I think Matthew Judon landed in a great situation for himself. I know that some Ravens fans got a little fed up with his inconsistency on the football field, but off the football field, you know, there was really no inconsistency, the football field but off the football field you know there

was really no inconsistency a couple lapses here or there there was actually a decently big i'm not going to call it a scandal but there was some drama a couple of months ago with him and espn reporter jamison hensley where hensley falsely reported something about judan's contract demands matthew judan really you know went to twitter and said i'm gonna leak photos of you cheating on your wife and this that and the other and that. And that's just part of Matthew Judon's personality. I don't think he truly meant it, but like, that was like a whoa-ish moment for all of the Ravens nation. But all in all, I think Matthew Judon landed in a great scenario for himself. He is a very lively personality, someone who I think teammates will fall in love with very easily over there in New

England. He's very loved in Baltimore by players, by coaches, by fans. And this is a loss that hurts, I'm sure, a lot of Ravens fans. Now, they just definitely did not have the money to re-sign him. I'm sure that if the money worked out, it could have been a great fit for him to stay in Baltimore. But ultimately, Judon leaves for New England. And it's a situation that I think benefits both Judon and the Patriots mutually. Yeah, well, it definitely benefits the Patriots without any question. And I know that he does leave behind a lot of fans and a lot of great memories in Baltimore, but hopefully he's on the verge of creating some new fans

and some new memories here in Foxborough as he looks forward to his career here in New England. And Kevin, I can't thank you enough for stopping by to lend your wisdom and counsel when it comes to Matthew Judon and the type of New England Patriot he will make. Before I let you go, my friend, please let everyone know, all of our listeners here at Locked On Patriots know where they can find you, follow you on social media,

and where they can catch up with your great work each and every day. Yeah, absolutely. I am the host of the Locked On Ravens podcast, part of this wonderful Locked On podcast network we have over here. Five days a week, Ravens talk over there. Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. Eastern time is when we put out our content. My Twitter is at ChaosShaker34. That's my personal handle. And the Locked On Ravens Twitter is at LockedOnRavens. And I also write for the Ravens Wire as a contributor. And you can find my work over there at the Ravens wire.com. Absolutely. And folks, I can't recommend Kevin's work highly enough.

I know this is locked on Patriots. I know he's locked on Ravens. There is some history between these two franchises, but bottom line, if you're interested in the Ravens or any of their comings and goings, definitely follow Kevin. You won't be sorry. I always like to say, keep your friends close, your enemies closer, and what better way to keep your eye on the rival franchises than checking out their great local experts, and Kevin is definitely at the top of the list.

Thanks so much for stopping by today, bud. I always appreciate it. Stay safe and well. We look forward to talking ball again with you maybe sometime throughout the season, despite of the fact that these two teams don't see one another in 2021, maybe we'll have a playoff matchup to talk about this year. Yeah, I think that'd be great.

And it would be the Judon return to Baltimore, or maybe the Ravens have to see him in Foxborough. But Mike, it was a pleasure. Always a pleasure, my friend. Thanks so much. Just like that, Patriots Nation, we are marching toward the end of your work week. But as I said to open the show, the action here on Locked on Patriots is still far from being over. My good friend, the Pats cap Miguel Benzon, joins us here tomorrow.

And the wealth of fun and information will probably spill over into a bonus episode on Saturday as well. So to ensure that you do not miss a single second of the action, follow the Locked on Patriots podcast on platforms such as the Odyssey app, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, wherever you get your podcasts. Just make sure that you are staying locked in to Locked On Patriots. Once again, my name is Mike DeBate. I thank my good friend and colleague Kevin Ostreicher for his time, his insight, and his appearance

on today's pod, but most of all, I thank you all so much for listening and remain honored and humbled that you take the time each day to make Locked On Patriots a daily part of your New England Patriots coverage. Until tomorrow, Foxborough faithful, stay safe, stay well, always

be the change you wish to see in the world. Have a great day, everyone.