Colts vs. Patriots: The long-awaited return of Julian Edelman

New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman last took the field in a meaningful NFL game in Super Bowl LI. That changes Thursday night vs. the Colts.

Those forecasting the demise of the NFL’s reigning dynasty after three games this season got a taste of expected reality on Sunday. Staring the possibility of a third consecutive loss right in their collective facemasks, the New England Patriots made easy work of the Miami Dolphins, 38-7, at Gillette Stadium. It was the 10th consecutive home win over this AFC East rival dating back to 2009.

Now four days later, the defending conference champions face another one of their recent “whipping boys” in the Indianapolis Colts. Including a pair of playoff wins 2013 and 2014 — both at Foxborough — the Pats have won seven-straight games in this series dating back to 2010 by a combined 285-152 count. And as if Frank Reich’s 1-3 team didn’t have enough to worry about, quarterback Tom Brady is about to get one of his favorite toys back,

You will recall wide receiver Julian Edelman and his amazing grab in New England’s 34-28 overtime Super Bowl victory over the Atlanta Falcons. He was the game’s most targeted wide receiver in that contest as Brady took aim at him 13 times. He would pull down five passes for 87 yards. And it would be the last time we would see the sure-handed performer take the field in a “real” NFL game.

There was a season-ending knee injury in the summer of 2017 at Detroit. That was followed by a four-game suspension for violation of the league’s performance-enhancing drug policy. He was around during the preseason but now he’s back to help a team that has split its first four games this year.

The numbers are imposing. In 55 regular-season games dating back to 2013, the former seventh-round draft choice has been targeted a combined 532 times. He’s totaled 356 catches for 3,826 yards and 20 scores. Edelman has truly been Brady’s safety valve and embraced the role as Wes Welker’s replacement in the offense.

Off a big win over Miami, it would be a stretch to say that his return couldn’t come at a better time. But just the fact that he’s back makes life easier for an ever-changing New England offense.

TV and Live Stream Info

Date: Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018
Start Time: 8:20 p.m. ET
Location: Foxborough, MA
Stadium: Gillette Stadium
TV Info: FOX, NFL Network
Live Stream: FOX Sports Go, FuboTV, Prime Video

Betting Odds (via Odds Shark)

Point Spread: New England -10
Moneyline: New England -475, Indianapolis +420
Over/Under: 50.5

Edelman’s return in relation to the injury woes of the Colts spell out a tough matchup for the visitors in this one. They’re most certainly going to need to see the Patriots go back to their Weeks 1-3 form if they’re to pull off the victory.