New England Patriots receiver Julian Edelman shouldn’t be seeing single coverage as often as he does. He’s the team’s leader in receptions, receiving yard and receiving touchdowns after 16 weeks.
His teammates call him the “spark plug” in the offense, but one thing has become progressively clear: he’s capable of being the whole engine. That is, if the teams show single coverage against him. Against double coverage, he has struggled, like he did against the Houston Texans in Week 13. In Week 16, however, he managed a number of crucial plays when the Buffalo Bills tasked a single defensive back with covering Edelman.
What is Edelman thinking when he sees that coverage before the snap?
“Just licking my chops,” Edelman said after the Patriots’ 24-13 win on Saturday.
It almost seems like a serial lack of appreciation of Edelman’s talents. He’s the team’s No. 1 receiver — he played just three quarters against the Bills but managed five catches for 72 yards. In his first snap back from concussion protocol — which held him out of roughly 15 minutes of play — he managed a 30-yard reception (against single coverage). On a 2-point conversion, Edelman slipped through the cracks in a zone defense, and ultimately had no one covering him when he caught the ball. He was asked after the game if he’s surprised to find himself in single coverage.
“People have game plans,” Edelman said. “We have game plans, and there are a lot of good football players out there, so that’s what you hope for as a receiver. … When you have less guys (covering you), that’s usually a better opportunity.”
The Patriots, of course, greatly appreciate Edelman. After the game, coach Bill Belichick said “Julian’s a tough guy … one of our best players.” Brady touted Edelman for that 30-yard reception immediately after his return. “Made a big play like he always does,” Brady said. Rookie receiver Jakobi Meyers called Edelman “a solider.” N’Keal Harry said he is taking notes on Edelman: “He’s open like 95% of the time.”
Still, Edelman said he’s sick of the praise. He’s tired of getting asked about how tough he is. And perhaps that’s why, at least nationally, he doesn’t get the respect he deserves. For example, he missed the 2020 Pro Bowl, despite having more receptions and receiving yards than Browns receiver Jarvis Landry, who made the Pro Bowl. Edelman said the snub didn’t bother him.
“Nah, it is what it is,” Edelman said. “I play the game to go out and win games, get division championships and win things after those things. There’s a lot of good football players out there.”
Would you like to play in one?
“I’d like to play the Miami Dolphins next week,” Edelman said.
He’s just doing what the Patriots have taught him: keep his mouth shut, get open, catch the ball, put up points, get wins and win Super Bowls. He has three — so far.
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