Julian Edelman is up for an extremely difficult task in 2020.
After an injury-riddled season, he’s prepared to sustain the No. 1 role and carry the New England Patriots’ receiver group. Edelman, 34, will be without Tom Brady for the first time in his NFL career and the next quarterback to take over is between Brian Hoyer or second-year Jarrett Stidham.
He’s reportedly been inseparable from Stidham this offseason and is out to prove he’s not a product of Brady. There’s only so much the body can take though, and with Edelman’s playing style in the slot — his body has been beaten up and twisted in ways that would leave most players fearful to run another play in the second level of opposing defenses.
Edelman still pushes, and you can’t discount his track record. He tore his ACL in 2017, battled a suspension the next season and still continued to win the Super Bowl MVP award. His toughness is definitely not in question. But, is Edelman capable of surpassing 1,000 yards for the fourth time in his career?
On WEEI’s “Ordway, Merloni, and Fauria,” former Patriots tight end Christian Fauria said he won’t even eclipse 900 yards.
“I am going under. To assume it is going to be similar to (with Tom) Brady, it can’t be.” Fauria said. “…I said the offense is better off without (Brady), I didn’t say (Edelman) was going to have a banner year.”
WEEI’s Lou Merloni agrees with Fauria.
“In order for this offense to be better, you have to have a healthy Mohamed Sanu, maybe he can play at the level he has played,” Merloni said. “He know he’s never been a No. 1, whatever. … It is N’Keal Harry and it is the running game because of your offensive line. I think Julian Edelman takes a hit with no Tom Brady.”
The Patriots’ depth at receiver consists of Edelman, Harry and Sanu — with the depth significantly dropping off after that. The next-best options are Marqise Lee, Jakobi Meyers and Damiere Byrd. Fortunately, the Patriots drafted two tight ends in Devin Asiasi and Dalton Keene that could make life a bit easier for the receivers.
Ultimately, it’ll be extremely difficult for Edelman to eclipse 1,000 yards this season. The Patriots have four solid running backs and will put an emphasis on the rushing attack. Stidham will likely be the starter and his level of play is a mystery for the world to see. And, it’s hard to believe Edelman can accomplish this feat at the age of 35 or older.
My guess is that Edelman comes away with around 700 yards this season and deals with some bumps and bruises along the way. The Patriots need a lot of help offensively and keying in on Edelman will be the obvious gameplan for opposing defenses.
It’s going to be a difficult and trying season for the Patriots legend.
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