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Matt Judon, New England Patriots' defense show early signs of promise

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- There was a play during a New England Patriots practice in June when a wave of defenders crowded the line of scrimmage in two-point stances, challenging the offensive line to identify who might be rushing or dropping out.

Big-buck free-agent acquisition Matt Judon was one of the players. He exploded so decisively through a gap, essentially blowing up the play, that veteran safety Adrian Phillips couldn't contain his excitement. Phillips and Judon leaped into the air, high-fiving each other.

"That's my guy," Phillips later said with a smile.