FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Quick-hit thoughts and notes around the New England Patriots and NFL:
1. A stronger finish from Judon: One of the unsolved Patriots mysteries of 2021 is what contributed to linebacker Matthew Judon's lack of production down the homestretch.
Judon totaled 12.5 sacks through his first 13 games but was held without a sack in his final five games, which coincided with the Patriots' 1-4 close to the season. He had just two quarterback hits over that stretch.
While Judon spent a five-day stint on the COVID-19 list between the Week 16 and 17 games, he previously downplayed that as a factor.