Patriots: The passing of the torch from Julian Edelman to Gunner Olszewski
Julian Edelman has only played six games in 2020. What’s next for him?
New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman underwent a knee procedure earlier in the year, which has limited him to only six games. On top of that, when he’s been on the field, he’s largely been ineffective, aside from that one incredible game against the Seahawks. The 34-year-old wide receiver has caught 21 balls in the 2020 campaign, leading to his lowest receptions-per-game total since 2012.
Edelman has always been so reliable, as evidenced by the fact he’s the longest tenured Patriot on the team. However, over the last two years it’s been a much different story. Injuries have slowed him, and then a trip to the reserve/COVID-19 list kept him off the field for even longer in 2020.
This past Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers had us reminiscing about Edelman and wondering if his time with the Patriots is drawing to a close. This was the first matchup between the two teams since the 2018 playoffs.
Gunner Olszewski is the first Patriots player to have a Rec TD and punt return TD in the same game since Julian Edelman in 2014.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) December 7, 2020
The only other player to do that this season is Keelan Cole in Week 10 at the Packers. pic.twitter.com/XYR1RPi1X2
In that game two years ago, Edelman recorded a career-high 151 receiving yards in a postseason contest. Last Sunday, Gunner Olszewski accumulated 183 total yards, 145 of which came on punt returns. In a way, it felt like Edelman was passing the torch to Olszewski. Why?
Both of these guys gained recognition at the start of their careers by changing positions in the NFL, battling on special teams to earn a roster spot, then finally providing the team with productivity. Olszewski’s punt return touchdown was the team’s first since 2014. Can you guess which Patriot that was six years ago? It was Edelman!
Remember in 2009 when Edelman had a punt return touchdown in the preseason against the Eagles? Well, Belichick was talking with Wes Welker shortly after that moment, alluding that Welker and Wally Pipp would be sharing the same fate. Soon after, Edelman took over the punt return chores from Welker, and then finally his job on offense.
Q on @TheGregHillShow: How has Julian Edelman looked?
— Ryan Hannable (@RyanHannable) December 8, 2020
Cam Newton: "I have been summoned not to talk about things I can't control."
Q: Who said that?
Newton: "Let's just say, if you know, you know."
Olszewski’s job as permanent punt returner seems solidified for now, but can he also make a splash at receiver? He did catch his first career touchdown pass against the Chargers, which was a 38-yard strike from backup Jarrett Stidham. Was this Gunner’s coming out party? It was very reminiscent of Edelman’s huge game against Indianapolis in November of 2012.
In that contest, Edelman had five catches (one for a touchdown) one rush for 47 yards, one forced fumble, and two punt returns for 117 yards and a touchdown. That stellar game against Indianapolis put his name out there, as did Olszewski’s performance against LA, which earned him Special Teams Player of the Week honors.
Edelman, who hasn’t played since the game against the 49ers, could come back as soon as he’s removed from IR, but how productive will he be? He was already very ineffective this year and now will be coming off surgery. Perhaps, now with the Patriots pretty much out of playoff contention, he sits out the remainder of the year.
When Gunner Olszewski was asked about being in the rare company of players who have scored a TD on offense and special teams in the same game, he interjected, "I had a tackle, too."
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) December 7, 2020
That means that Edelman would head into the final year of his deal in 2021 at 35 years old. Edelman hasn’t given any indication that he will call it quits after 2021, and knowing his mentality, he’ll want to keep playing. He’s the face of the Patriots franchise at the moment, but it’s possible he’s let go due to salary cap reasons. Bill Belichick is always one to move on from a player one year early rather than one year late, so it’s hard to imagine this relationship lasting much longer.
Edelman is as tough as nails, provided the Patriots offense with a spark and energy for years, and could be a future Hall of Famer. Only one man (Jerry Rice) has more postseason receptions. He has a Super Bowl MVP to his name and played a critical part in every New England championship over the last decade.
Whatever happens with Edelman, he’ll always be a Patriots legend, and we can only hope Olszewski transitions seamlessly into the role No. 11 has occupied since 2013.
