Patriots: Julian Edelman is poised to prove all haters wrong in 2020
By Jerry Trotta
Patriots WR Julian Edelman is poised for another big season.
For the first time in what seems like ages, the New England Patriots will welcome a legion of new faces in 2020.
Not only did several former key contributors leave in free agency, but the ongoing global pandemic has forced eight players — including safety Patrick Chung, offensive lineman Marcus Cannon and linebacker Dont’a Hightower — to opt out of the upcoming season.
As far as familiar veterans are concerned, wide receiver Julian Edelman is one of the few remaining, and will thereby be looked upon as the top leader in the locker room. Having seemingly been abandoned by former teammates (and good friends) Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski, it goes without saying the 34-year-old star will be out to prove something this year.
Based on what we’ve seen through the offseason and into training camp, Edelman is poised to enjoy another big campaign and swiftly silence his doubters, who continue to write him off as an elite receiver.
Cam Newton connects with Julian Edelman. Edelman joins the likes of Mohamed Sanu, N’Keal Harry, Devin Asiasi and Damiere Byrd. All have worked out with Newton out west pic.twitter.com/TukjUYAkr0
— Mark Daniels (@ByMarkDaniels) July 22, 2020
The notion that Edelman is a product of the Patriots’ system is entirely illogical.
For starters, he’s one of the most polished route-runners in the NFL and has some of the softest hands we’ve ever seen. Age hasn’t been able to slow him down either, as he’s fresh off the second most productive season of his career. While battling a slew of nagging injuries, the former seventh-round pick logged 100 receptions for 1,117 yards and six touchdowns in 2019.
On top of injuries, Edelman also had to overcome New England’s inept offense. The running game was largely ineffective, and that ultimately resulted in the immobile Brady facing a large dose of pass-oriented defensive packages.
Julian Edelman always plays with a ton of heart, but last year was so special. Played with major injuries, double-teamed a majority of snaps and he still put up great numbers; 100 rec for 1117 yards. That’s someone you want in your locker room. He’s a top 100 NFL player. pic.twitter.com/iywPDLwJqG
— Pats Buzz (@PatsBuzz) July 30, 2020
We’re not saying the offense will flip that narrative on its head in 2020, but the arrival of Cam Newton will only create more opportunities for Edelman. The Kent State product has been the Patriots No. 1 wide receiver for several years running, and that will not change following Brady’s departure, which has left him with a massive chip on his shoulder.
Don’t be surprised if we see Edelman at his very best this season, playing the role of a veteran security blanket for Cam Newton in a sea of uncertainty.
He’s not a tight end, to be sure, but he can still be Greg Olsen in 2020.
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