New England's Marcus Jones and Matthew Judon were selected by Pro Football Writers Association for their outstanding contributions during the 2022 season.
FOXBORO — Despite a disappointing finish to their 2022 season, the New England Patriots continue to earn a respectable share of individual accolades.
The Pro Football Writers Association (PFWA) revealed its annual All-NFL, All-AFC and ALL-NFC teams on Monday. Patriots rookie defensive back Marcus Jones was named as an both an All-NFL and All-AFC punt returner.
Linebacker Matthew Judon was also selected to the All-AFC Team for the second-straight season.
Jones, New England’s third-round draft selection (85 overall), has become a contributor in all three of the game’s phases. This season, he became the first NFL player since Deion Sanders to score a touchdown on defense, offense and special teams. However, Jones’ most significant contributions came in resurrecting what had been a dismal return game in 2021. The rookie is a phenomenal athlete, with significant breakaway speed, as evidenced by his game-winning 84-yard punt return against the New York Jets in Week 11. Jones compiled 1,007 total return yards in 15 games played. The ex-Houston Cougar led the NFL in total punt return yards, as well as with a 12.5-yard punt return average. He also ranked seventh in the NFL with a 23.9-yard kickoff return average, while finishing fifth in total kick return yards.
Jones was also voted to the Associated Press All-Pro first team as a punt returner, the only Patriots player to make first-or second-team All-Pro.
Judon was once again the Patriots standout defender in 2022. The 30-year-old led a defense that produced a league-high seven touchdowns and 30 sacks, second to only the Dallas Cowboys. In the process, he set a career high with 15.5, after registering his previous career-best 12.5 in 2021. Judon was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance in Week 5 against the Detroit Lions. The Grand Valley State product recorded three tackles (one for loss) two sacks and a forced fumble. Judon was also the lone Patriot selected to the Pro Bowl, his fourth-straight appearance, and his second-straight as a Patriot.
In total, 14 clubs (including the Patriots) were represented among the 27 players honored by the PFWA. The Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers each placed a league-high four players on the All-NFL team.
The PFWA has selected an All-NFL team since 1966, and All-AFC and All-NFC teams since 1992. The 2022 All-Rookie roster, along with Rookie of the Year, Offensive Rookie of the Year and Defensive Rookie of the Year, will be unveiled at 1 p.m. ET Tuesday, Jan 24.
Follow Mike D’Abate on Twitter @mdabateNFL and Listen/Subscribe to his daily podcast: Locked On Patriots
New England and beyond! Get your Patriots game tickets from SI Tickets ... here!
Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Patriots? Click Here
More Patriots coverage from Sports Illustrated here.