New England Patriots 2016 Player Grade: Julian Edelman
By Matty Simo
The New England Patriots needed a consistent receiver to play well with three different quarterbacks in 2016. Julian Edelman more than did the job.
The New England Patriots saw seven different players make at least 23 catches during the 2016 regular season en route to winning Super Bowl 51. One of them was targeted nearly twice as much as the second-leading receiver on the team: Julian Edelman.
Edelman had 98 receptions for 1,106 yards last year yet scored just three touchdowns. While frustrating for fantasy football players, he performed his role nearly perfectly, picking up first downs and putting his team in position to score.
In fact, only running back LeGarrette Blount (67 first downs) moved the chains more than Edelman (55) for New England. Blount also led the team with a franchise-record 18 rushing touchdowns.
The value of Edelman was immense for the Patriots last season, especially with three quarterbacks starting at different points. He was the glue that held the receiving corps together, playing all 16 regular-season games for the second time in his eight-year career. In addition, he had a career-high 12 rushing attempts for 57 yards.
But no other play exemplified Edelman’s campaign more than his crucial catch against the Atlanta Falcons in the Super Bowl. The reception was good for 23 yards after being upheld by video review and eventually led to the game-tying score.
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On a team with so many receiving options, Edelman was easily the most consistent and most productive. He also stepped up in the playoffs when New England needed him the most with 36 catches for 342 yards and one touchdown.
The Patriots are lucky to have Edelman, and he is lucky to have them. He has definitely come a long way since Tom Brady groomed him to replace Wes Welker. And at the age of 31, he should have at least one more good year ahead of him before becoming a free agent in 2018.