New England Patriots outside linebacker Matt Judon didn’t take the bait Tuesday morning on NFL Network's “Good Morning Football.”

Host Kyle Brandt told Judon he didn’t believe the Patriots could win the AFC East with Mac Jones or Bailey Zappe at quarterback. Judon disagreed respectfully.

“We got a defense to win,” Judon said. “You can’t put everything on the quarterback, but that’s what we tend to focus on. I don’t get a win or loss. We can go out there and win the game. I think as a defense we have a good enough defense to compete with anyone. As an offense, we have the ability to score points. We have players around whatever quarterback is in there to score points. We just have to go out there and do it and execute and focus on what we’re doing and when we do that we are a good team. When we don’t, it doesn’t look good.”

The Patriots’ defense ranked third best last season in EPA (expected points added) per play, but New England finished just 8-9. The Patriots have made upgrades on offense this offseason, most notably by hiring offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Bill O’Brien and offensive line coach Adrian Klemm to replace roles filled by Matt Patricia and Joe Judge last season.

The Pro Bowl pass rusher was also judicious when discussing the Patriots’ quarterback situation and whether New England should pursue a trade for Baltimore Ravens quarterback — and Judon’s former teammate — Lamar Jackson.

“If he comes and they make that move, we’ll handle it then,” Judon said. “But if not, we have to play with the guys we got like coach kinda said. If he comes, I’ve played with Lamar, and I know the feeling I have of Lamar as a quarterback, but we don’t have him until we do. So, if not, we’re going to play with Mac or Bailey or whoever else we have behind center. Because that’s what we’ve got. That’s what you’ve gotta live by in this game.”

Patriots head coach Bill Belichick wouldn’t confirm that Jones will be the team's starting quarterback next season during the NFL Annual Meeting on Monday. Jones is expected to start but could be pushed by Zappe in training camp.

The Patriots have the lowest odds to win the AFC East this season. They finished third above the New York Jets in 2022, but quarterback Aaron Rodgers could soon be saving the last-place squad.

Featured image via David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports