Julian Edelman has been the New England Patriots’ most reliable player on offense in 2019, but he disappeared in the second half of the team’s 34-13 win over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.
The receiver played 40 offensive snaps (62%), and managed two catches and nine yards on five targets. He didn’t see a single target in the second half. The Patriots kept him on the field, but quarterback Tom Brady seemed more interested in working with some of his other pass-catchers.
Edelman seemed to be playing through pain, as he was listed with knee and shoulder injuries during the week in practice. He has also dealt with a chest injury earlier in the season. The injuries seemed to take a toll on Edelman for the first time in Week 15. But he brushed off the idea that injuries influenced his ability to contribute against the Bengals.
“I think everyone is banged up. It’s Week 15. It’s a tough sport, it’s a grind,” Edelman told reporters after the game. “I’m sure everyone has some sort of injury. … Getting a win regardless of the situation sparks you. It gains confidence. Now we go out and have a great week of practice and keep improving.”
It’s easy to wonder if the Patriots should have rested Edelman, who leads the Patriots in receptions (92), receiving yards (1,019) and receiving touchdowns (6). But that’s with hindsight of a win, and the Patriots’ didn’t look comfortable against Cincinnati until the defense and special teams began making big plays in the second half. Brady, who dealt with pressure for much of the day, seemed pleased to have his favorite pass-catcher on the field.
“Jules (Edelman) fought hard all week, and I’m happy to have him out there,” Brady said during a postgame press conference. “I think mentally it’s good for him to be out there, and he shows his mental toughness and physical toughness.”
Edelman may have to do the same on Saturday when the Patriots play an impressive Buffalo Bills (10-4) defense. New England isn’t in huge danger of losing the AFC East to the Bills — the Patriots would have to lose their next two games while the Buffalo wins both games. But the Patriots are less secure with the No. 2 seed and a first-round postseason bye. The Chiefs (10-4) are nipping at New England’s heels with a head-to-head win, which would serve as a tiebreaker. The game against the Bills is of the utmost importance for players like Edelman, if the Patriots are to get some rest after Week 17.
“We’ve gotta be able to turn it around quick,” Edelman said. “Get started ASAP. This Bills team is a very good football team. They’ve been playing very well. I mean, it’s the perfect storm. They’ve got a good coaching staff, you got a quarterback, and they’ve got a really good defense.”
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