Edelman is a key, believe it or not
 

I think Edelman may be the key player in the "What is the best way to approach the offseason for the Pats?" issue. If the Pats believe he can give them 80% of what Welker did (not necessarily in terms of production but in terms of effectiveness...and no, those aren't the same things), then they can do it at a fraction of the cost and use Welker's money to shore up the team elsewhere.

I personally think he has the skill not to duplicate what Welker does, because Wes is a unique player. But I do think Edelman can be a very, very effective replacement, at a much lower cost. The issue for him is whether or not he can stay healthy. One of the great things about Welker is that he's a cyborg, apparently. He takes so many huge hits and just keeps on playing. Edelman spends a lot more time injured than Welker does.

But if they had confidence in Edelman - and really, couldn't that be the reason they gave him so much playing time to start the year, instead of Welker...as a sort of "tryout"? - they could then spend the $10 million on defensive help or to add another big-time receiver.

Re: Edelman is a key, believe it or not
 

He simply can't be depended on to stay healthy IMO. Between Gronk, Hernandez and Edelman you'd be lucky to have two of them on the field at the same time.

Re: Edelman is a key, believe it or not
 

Praising Edelman in any way, shape or form is a sure-fire way to get yourself in trouble around here. You've been warned!

Re: Edelman is a key, believe it or not
 

A good friend who is an astute Pats observer always says that Edelman's playing style is so balls to the wall that he will not be able to stay on the field. He even predicted that he'd be knocked out for the season by week 10.

Edelman's abandon is what makes him great. But I'm not convinced that he can stay on the field playing as he does.

I hope he can as his performance against the Jests on TGiving night was electrifying. Here's to more of that AND him staying healthy.

I just don't know that we can count on it.

Re: Edelman is a key, believe it or not
 

I think Edelman and Vereen make up for Welker. It will take 2 guys to replace him - and health is always an issue no matter who the player.

Re: Edelman is a key, believe it or not
 

This is the part that scares me the most.

Re: Edelman is a key, believe it or not
 

As a Boston sports fan who regularly deals with NYers where I live, I feel for you being in Maryland right now.

Must not be terrific.

Re: Edelman is a key, believe it or not
 

Sign the beast.