Matthew Judon is making his contract season his best season.
With a strip sack of Josh Allen that led to Baltimore's first touchdown Sunday, Judon led a ferocious Baltimore pass rush that sacked Allen four times in the first half and six times in Sunday's game.
After holding the Bills to 17 points and denying them on a potential game-tying drive to end the game, Judon was proud to be part of a defense that preserved the victory.
"We want to be the heroes sometimes," Judon said. "It's usually Lamar (Jackson) and the offensive line. But today we were called upon. It was gut-check time."
The turnover forced by Judon set up Baltimore at Buffalo's 24-yard line, and the Ravens scored five plays later on a three-yard flip pass from Lamar Jackson to Nick Boyle.
Judon's second sack of the first half was also key, knocking the Bills out of field goal range. He was credited with ½ sack, splitting it with Jaylon Ferguson.
The first-half sacks raised Judon's total to 8.5 sacks for the season, setting a career high. Judon had eight sacks in 2017 and seven sacks in 2018, establishing himself as a consistent pass rusher at outside linebacker after being a fifth-round draft pick from Grand Valley State in 2016.
With the departures of Za'Darius Smith and Terrell Suggs during the offseason, Judon entered this season recognized as the team's primary pass rusher and he has delivered in the final year of his rookie contract.
Judon believes Baltimore's defense is poised to play its best defense down the stretch and into the playoffs. Since allowing 40 points to the Cleveland Browns in Week 4, the Ravens have not lost a game.
"We were looking porous as a defense, allowing everything to happen to us,"Judon said. "We just came in as a defense and came together. We added some pieces that we needed. We put it into motion, it's working for us. Shout-out to our coaches, each and every one of hem. They know what to call in a time of need. They're calling it and they're not being shy about it.
"Just to get in (the playoffs) isn't enough. We got in last year, it wasn't enough. This game always leaves you wanting more."
