Maturation of Julian Edelman

Don_the_patfan said:

Hate to break it to you but this is his ONLY opportunity to go out there and make his money aka "BIG money". Once off-seasons commences he is going to the highest bidder as he very well should. That means NOT the pats. My guess is Sanders comes in to replace him.

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Totally agree and I hope minitron gets paid. He has worked hard to become a good receiver and deserves a pay day. Good for him.

RIpats88 said:

Especially not knowing gronks situation going into thenext season I think they need to make resigning edelman a priority.

I think 3-3.5million $ would do it...hes not getting welker money after one good season

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I think the pats need a good back up tight end who can be a threat in the redzone. Scott Chandler comes to mind and is a free agent next year.

PatsFan2 said:

Welker - Edelman > Armendola - Edelman.

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Maybe but I don't think Tom looks for Edelman if Welker is still on the team.

AndyJohnson said:

He is growing into it.
Edelman has always been overrated on this board, but he has improved his play to live up to the overrating.
I think there are a lot of catches he should make and doesnt, but there is no doubt he has developed into a quality WR who gives the Patriots a reasonable portion now of what Welker did.
I wouldn't bet against him to continue the improvement.

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Some of us might prefer to subscribe to the perspective that some on this board have always underrated Edelman. Staying healthy has been the principal issue with him historically. There are those of us who believe that good health this season has allowed Edelman to achieve at a level commensurate with his abilities.

AndyJohnson said:

He is growing into it.
Edelman has always been overrated on this board, but he has improved his play to live up to the overrating.
I think there are a lot of catches he should make and doesnt, but there is no doubt he has developed into a quality WR who gives the Patriots a reasonable portion now of what Welker did.
I wouldn't bet against him to continue the improvement.

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LOL. That's a convenient narrative from someone who has long marginalized Edelman and deified Welker. For the record, Edelman has less drops than Welker on the year and has made a number of catches with his arms fully outstretched that Wes, by virtue of being shorter, with shorter arms and smaller hands, would have no chance of making. The only thing holding Edelman back has been injuries. His talent has been on display for all with eyes to see since day 1.

Jackson 2 said:

Some of us might prefer to subscribe to the perspective that some on this board have always underrated Edelman. Staying healthy has been the principal issue with him historically. There are those of us who believe that good health this season has allowed Edelman to achieve at a level commensurate with his abilities.

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I see it the other way. He never really produced as a WR until this year.
Therefore the overly positive Edelman were overrating in the past and in line now, while the less enthusiastic were correct then and he has grew beyond them now.
I'm talking about assessment, not prediction.

Don_the_patfan said:

Hate to break it to you but this is his ONLY opportunity to go out there and make his money aka "BIG money". Once off-seasons commences he is going to the highest bidder as he very well should. That means NOT the pats. My guess is Sanders comes in to replace him.

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The New England Patriots can afford Julian Edelman.

The New England Patriots can't afford the following:

Kelly, Tommy
Sopoaga, Isaac
Carter, Andre
Spikes, Brandon
Fletcher, Dane
Wilson, Adrian
Gregory, Steve
Cole, Marquice

AndyJohnson said:

I see it the other way. He never really produced as a WR until this year.
Therefore the overly positive Edelman were overrating in the past and in line now, while the less enthusiastic were correct then and he has grew beyond them now.
I'm talking about assessment, not prediction.

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There is an old saying; "Does man make the times or do the times make the man.”

This is the first season Edelman has had the opportunity to consistently play and be a primary target.

2009
Week 5 vs. TEN he saw reps at the end of a 59-0 victory – 6 targets, 6 receptions 43 receiving yards.
Week 17 @ HOU he came in to replace Welker who left with a season ending knee injury – 15 targets, 10 receptions, 103 receiving yards.
Wildcard vs. BAL he played in place of Welker who was out for the year with a knee injury – 8 targets, 6 receptions, 44 receiving yards, 2 touchdowns.

2010
Week 17 vs. MIA he saw reps with the backups after team had clinched the division – 5 targets, 3 receptions, 72 receiving yards, 1 carry, 13 rushing yards.

2011 he primarily played CB and STs; he helped us get to the Super Bowl and then in 2012 when he was healthy he was effective as the third WR – 32 targets, 21 receptions, 235 receiving yards, 3 touchdowns, 4 carries, 45 rushing yards.

AndyJohnson said:

I see it the other way. He never really produced as a WR until this year.
Therefore the overly positive Edelman were overrating in the past and in line now, while the less enthusiastic were correct then and he has grew beyond them now.
I'm talking about assessment, not prediction.

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On the other hand, one could argue that those of us who believed in Edelman's abilities based upon limited observation are more prescient and more capable of making an accurate assessment of his skill level than those who underrated him. Not looking to engage in apissing contest, just pointing out that there's another legitimate possible point of view in addition to yours.

96 receptions (4th) 991 yards (19th) 6 TDs

I can't find the stat anywhere, but would Julian join Wes and Troy as the only Patriots to reach 100 receptions in a season?

Jackson 2 said:

Some of us might prefer to subscribe to the perspective that some on this board have always underrated Edelman. Staying healthy has been the principal issue with him historically. There are those of us who believe that good health this season has allowed Edelman to achieve at a level commensurate with his abilities.

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Agreed. JE's flashes appeared to me to say something good. Last year the coaching staff must have saw it too. However, injury never game him the chance to grow/refine his game. Does any NFL player become top flight without reps, without staying on the field?

So the question now is, why has he stayed healthy? Is JE simply running with less reckless abandon?

I tell you what, all 4 main WR's next year may be better than this year (JE, DA, KT, DA) if expected progression occurs. And IF Gronk and Vereen can stay healthy? I tell you what, next year has the making to be one highly potent passing offense (I'm assuming JE is resigned).

TheBostonStraggler said:

Agreed. JE's flashes appeared to me to say something good. Last year the coaching staff must have saw it too. However, injury never game him the chance to grow/refine his game. Does any NFL player become top flight without reps, without staying on the field?

So the question now is, why has he stayed healthy? Is JE simply running with less reckless abandon?

I tell you what, all 4 main WR's next year may be better than this year (JE, DA, KT, DA) if expected progression occurs. And IF Gronk and Vereen can stay healthy? I tell you what, next year has the making to be one highly potent passing offense (I'm assuming JE is resigned).

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Definitely running less reckless. He's not getting those absurd 20 yard after the catch runs but still being productive.

patsinthesnow said:

96 receptions (4th) 991 yards (19th) 6 TDs

I can't find the stat anywhere, but would Julian join Wes and Troy as the only Patriots to reach 100 receptions in a season?

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According to Pro Football Reference, this is correct. It's worth mentioning that even if Edelman catches no passes next week, his 2013 season is already tied for 96th in terms of catches in a single season with Ben Coates's 1994 campaign and about a dozen others. 100 catches in a season, meanwhile, has been accomplished 79 times so far in NFL history, with Wes Welker doing it five times (every season in NE except 2010), and the illustrious Jerry Rice doing it just four.

It's mind Boggling how improved Edelman is in his overall growth as a WR. To think he might be even better than this next year. I hope he doing his thing in a Patriots Jersey. I hope his contract Negotiation goes smooth and both sides come to agreement, with his versatility Edelman has earned himself a decent paycheck.

I was saying last year that if given a chance, Edelman would prove to be a great receiver. He's bigger, stronger, and faster than Welker.

SalemPats said:

Edelman has proven to be the ultimate Patriot, playing every position and being a great team guy.

The last 4 games we have seen Edelman evolve into a great WR. His route running has improved immensely (his YAC has been great), his ability to take a hit in tight coverage (which is why we loved WW) and great hands.

He will be the key to us winning a SB this year. If Amendola can provide us 5 - 7 catches for 50-70 yards we will be in good shape

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AndyJohnson said:

I see it the other way. He never really produced as a WR until this year.
Therefore the overly positive Edelman were overrating in the past and in line now, while the less enthusiastic were correct then and he has grew beyond them now.
I'm talking about assessment, not prediction.

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C'mon Andy, just have a slice and we can all move on

ewg_gestalt said:

According to Pro Football Reference, this is correct. It's worth mentioning that even if Edelman catches no passes next week, his 2013 season is already tied for 96th in terms of catches in a single season with Ben Coates's 1994 campaign and about a dozen others. 100 catches in a season, meanwhile, has been accomplished 79 times so far in NFL history, with Wes Welker doing it five times (every season in NE except 2010), and the illustrious Jerry Rice doing it just four.

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Though in Jerry Rice's defense, on a per-pass-play basis, his reception totals are much more impressive. Teams didn't throw nearly as much 30 years ago.

ATippett56 said:

The New England Patriots can afford Julian Edelman.

The New England Patriots can't afford the following:

Kelly, Tommy
Sopoaga, Isaac
Carter, Andre
Spikes, Brandon
Fletcher, Dane
Wilson, Adrian
Gregory, Steve
Cole, Marquice

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Fletcher and Cole should not cost a lot. Almost certainly <$1M each.

You can make arguments for the rest, though.

Jackson 2 said:

On the other hand, one could argue that those of us who believed in Edelman's abilities based upon limited observation are more prescient and more capable of making an accurate assessment of his skill level than those who underrated him. Not looking to engage in apissing contest, just pointing out that there's another legitimate possible point of view in addition to yours.

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Another point. Wes did his development in San Diego and Miami, arriving here ready to play. Edelmen developed in his formative years with the Patriots.

Snake Eyes said:

C'mon Andy, just have a slice and we can all move on

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If I had said he would never develop then I would be eating crow.
Thats not what I said. My comments were based on how he played up to the time I made the comments. I stand by them, and I am very happy that he has developed.