New England Patriots fans are well aware receiver Julian Edelman is quarterback Tom Brady’s No. 1 receiver.
But he’s much more than that. Patriots coach Bill Belichick told the media on Friday at Gillette Stadium that Edelman is a crucial part in the offense’s ability to attack an opposing defense’s weaknesses.
“I think there are things that come up from game to game, that if you want to do something with an experienced player that can handle a particular situation you’re trying to attack in that game, he’s a good guy to do it with,” Belichick said of Edelman.
There is no shortage of things Edelman can do for the offense, whether that be where he lines up in multi-receiver sets or the routes he runs from each position.
“I mean we’ve been able to do different things with him over the course of his career, and certainly over the last few years,” Belichick said.
Edelman is on pace to set career highs in every major category. He has 82 receptions for 915 yards and five touchdowns in 12 games this season. Current career highs stand at 1,106 yards (2016), 105 receptions (2013) and seven touchdowns (2015) in his 10 NFL seasons.
His production is perhaps even more impressive due to the fact it’s been an injury-filled season for the 33-year-old receiver.
Edelman was limited in practice on Thursday (shoulder). He’s also been dealing with a chest/rib injury first suffered in a Week 3 win over the New York Jets. He left that game in the second quarter and has frequently been holding his chest after taking big hits or making big catches since.
But week after week, game after game, Edelman plays. And delivers.
“Julian’s a tough kid,” Belichick said. “He can work through quite a bit. So, he’s done a good job this year.”
Edelman leads the team in receptions, receiving yards and is tied for the lead in receiving touchdowns (along with Phillip Dorsett). He has played 89 percent of snaps or more in 11 of 12 games this year, including 100 percent of the snaps against Baltimore.
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