New England Patriots: Return of Julian Edelman the Key
Returning from injury, New England Patriots’ wide receiver Julian Edelman was key for the team on Saturday.
The New England Patriots came in and took care of business on Saturday, defeating the Kansas City Chiefs by a score of 27-20. The Chiefs put up a strong fight, but in the end Tom Brady and company proved to be too much, as the Patriots now head to their fifth consecutive AFC Championship game.
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There are many players who deserve credit for this win by the Patriots. Brady was fantastic, the defense was rock solid, Rob Gronkowski was absolutely dominant and the offensive line was much improved. However, the impact made by wide receiver Julian Edelman in his first game back from injury was the overwhelming key.
Edelman had not played since Week 10, after suffering a broken foot against the New York Giants. Expecting him to get right back into the swing of things without missing a beat was probably too much to expect, but that is exactly what Edelman did.
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He was a consistent force in the middle of the field, catching a game-high 10 passes for an also contest leading 100 yards. Edelman’s trademark quickness and maneuverability in the short passing game had seemingly not missed a beat, and it got the Patriots’ offense right back on track.
Edelman’s impact to the offense was felt immediately. After two unsuccessful plays to start their game-opening drive, the Patriots faced a 3rd and 10 right off of the bat. Edelman was able to find the open space on the right side of the defense, just like he has done many times before, and caught a pass from Brady right at the first down marker for an 11-yard gain and a first down.
Edelman was able to find space again on the very next play, hauling in an impressive catch-and-run for 16 yards. Those two plays immediately jump-started the Patriots’ offense, as they raced down field for a touchdown to Gronkowski for a 7-0 lead. The Patriots never trailed in that game.
The Patriots’ passing attack was on full display on Saturday, and Edelman was a huge reason why. Not only were his numbers impressive, the threat of him opens up the entire offense for everyone. Most notably, Gronkowski was able to get on track, catching seven passes for 83 yards and two touchdowns.
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The combination of Gronkowski and Edelman has always been nearly impossible to stop, but expecting them to step right back in and not miss a beat would have been unfair. However, clearly Edelman is back and as good as ever.
Brady having Edelman and Gronkowski at his disposal makes the Patriots’ offense incredibly difficult to stop. Back rolling on all cylinders, the Patriots all of a sudden look like the team to beat once again.