Edelman loss would sting
But deep WR unit softens hit
DETROIT — Watching wide receiver Julian Edelman being driven off in a cart with a right knee injury was not the most comforting sight for Patriots fans, even as the Pats starters were blowing out the Lions early in the third preseason game last night at Ford Field.
Everyone knows the importance of Edelman to Tom Brady and the offense. He’s the catalyst who makes it all fly. He gets the chains moving. He makes it happen.
It’s never a good thing if he’s down for any length of time, and, according to our sources, the early signs point to an ACL tear.
“We’ve played together for a long time. There’s great chemistry in what we’re doing. He’s just an incredible player and teammate. We’re hoping for the best,” a glum Brady said, following the Pats’ 30-28 win. “Hopefully whatever tests they have to do come back positively. We’ll try to do our best to lift his spirits if we can.”
When Edelman missed time during the 2015 season, injuring his foot Week 10 against the New York Giants and missing the final six games, the offense sputtered down the stretch.
It just doesn’t work the same without him. Suddenly, the unit doesn’t make as many first downs, it doesn’t score as many points, and the Patriots don’t win as many games.
That’s because Brady wouldn’t have the benefit of his most trusted go-toguy, the player who jumpstarts the offense if it needs a kick.
In fact, Edelman was getting it started on the first drive last night when he suffered the knee injury, going down awkwardly while making a cut. He had caught three passes for 52 yards before hobbling off the field and eventually leaving on the cart. It appeared to be a non-contact injury, as Edelman planted, cut, and went down. Brady checked on him in the medical tent.
There was an air of gloom and doom as Edelman eventually left on the cart. Even former Patriot LeGarrette Blount tweeted for people to “please pray for my bro” after it happened.
“He’s a great football player and a leader on this team, in our room, and a good friend. You hate to see a guy go down,” said Danny Amendola. “I don’t know the extent (of the injury). But he’s a tough kid. Obviously, everybody loves him, and got his back.”
So how will any extended absence impact the Patriots this time, if Edelman’s injury does ultimately prove to be a lengthy one after an MRI is done?
No question, he will be missed for all the same reasons listed above. You can’t really replace what he provides Brady and the offense. But looking at the big picture, Bill Belichick has built this roster to withstand the potential loss of just about anyone, including Edelman.
The addition of Brandin Cooks, who arrived via trade from New Orleans during the offseason for a first-round draft pick, will no doubt make up for some of the loss. While his primary purpose is to provide the team a deep threat and stretch the field, Cooks can also give them a presence in the slot if needed.
But so can Chris Hogan and Amendola, who are two receivers Brady also completely trusts. Hogan has made a significant leap from Year One to Year Two. He’s looked almost unstoppable during the first three preseason games. He caught two touchdown passes from Brady during the first half last night, and accumulated four catches for 70 yards overall.
Amendola made a great catch for a 31-yard completion in the first quarter after Edelman left. Brady also now has a few more running backs who can line up to catch the football, with Rex Burkhead the most notable, joining James White and Dion Lewis. Plus, there are at least two tight ends beyond Rob Gronkowski who can do the same.
“We’re still trying to build week to week. Whoever’s in there we’ve got to have confidence in what they’re doing. We saw a lot of good things from a lot of really good players (last night),” said Brady. “Brandin made some plays. (Hogan) made plays. Jules made his plays. Danny always makes plays . . . Gronk gave us some looks. We just have to keep grinding. Ultimately, the goal of training camp is to be ready for opening week.”
Make no mistake, losing Edelman, who has 436 receptions (including the playoffs) since 2013, would hurt. There’s really no replacing what he brings to the table. His grit, his toughness and his chemistry with Brady are unmatched.
This certainly isn’t what the Patriots were looking for on the road to a repeat, especially if the news turns out to be the worst-case scenario. But on this team that’s so stacked, loaded and built for the long haul, it’s certainly possible for them to get by and avoid the funk that Edelman’s absence created in years past.