No doubt JE is playing at a level that makes him a valuable contributor to the team (pro bowl though??). If this keeps up? BB's is owed some serious praise for his patience and forward looking vision with him. But is JE building up a history of not being able to stay on the field? Is my memory drowning in too much fermented holiday spirit...or did he have some issues with staying on the field last year too?
JE seems like a tough guy. If he can get the ok from the head doctors that his bell wasn't rung too hard, I'd be very surprised if he isn't on the field against the Phins. He just needs to learn to duck in certain situations.
Btw, an unmentioned but noteworthy moment was his after the catch move to shake the defender and take it in for 6.
I don't think getting your bell rung and leaving as a precaution for a concussion is particularly part of "building up a history of not being able to stay on the field". Hopefully Edelman will be back in 10 days, or at least in time for Houston.
It occurs to me that the idea of Edelman as a mini-Welker is really inaccurate. He is a very different play, with much more speed, deep threat ability, and open field breakaway capability. The guy who he reminds me of over the past 2 days is GB WR/KR Randall Cobb, one of my binkies in the 2011 draft, who was taken at #64 overall in the 2nd round.
Compare their measurables from NFL Draftscout:
- Cobb: 5' 10 2/8" 191#; 4.46 40, 1.56 10 yard split, 7.08 3-cone, 4.34 short shuttle; 33.5" vertical, 9'7" broad jump
- Edelmann: 5' 10 3/8" 195#; 4.52 40, 1.52 10 yard split, 6.62 3-cone, 3.92 short shuttle; 36.5" vertical, 10'3" broad jump
Edelman has had 172 yards from scrimmage and 2 TDs over the past 2 games, plus 2 more ST TDs (one PR, one fumble recovery).
Meanwhile Shane Vereen has 184 yards from scrimmage and 2 TDs of his own over the past 2 games. Imagine the offense at full strength when Gronk gets back, plus Hernandez, Welker, Edelman and Vereen/Ridley at RB, with Bolden/Woodhead for depth. And a healthy OL.