BradyManny
Pro Bowl Player
- Joined
- Mar 13, 2006
- Messages
- 11,103
- Reaction score
- 1,520
Before I start, let me throw out the disclaimer that I don't question Belichick lightly. For obvious reasons.
That said, I am currently scratching my head over the sudden emergence of Julian Edelman as our #2WR on the outside, and as the 2nd WR in the 22 personnel - over Wes Welker.
Edelman, like any NFL player, has some clear strengths and weaknesses. If I were to put my amateur scout glasses on, I would say his positives = great change of direction; great elusiveness; great with the ball in his hands; dangerous in space. All of these things project him as a good punt returner, and as a slot receiver running routes underneath or designed screens.
If I were to list his negatives as a receiver, I would say he has been unable to gain separation consistently, especially on vertical routes; does not make well-defended catches; does not have great hands. I would say this projects him as a subpar outside wide receiver.
Consider that in 2010 & 2011 combined, Julian Edelman saw 353 snaps as a receiver, and was targeted only 22 times, making 11 catches (keep in mind a handful of those were designed plays). In 2010, his DVOA* as a receiver was -29.1%, and in 2011, it was -46.8%. For comparison, the much maligned Chad Ochocinco had a DVOA of -4.9%. Edelman didn't receive enough targets to really register on FootballOutsiders, but had he, he would've been one of the least productive wide receivers in the league last season.
Edelman already has 98 snaps on this year. Yesterday, he began the day starting at #2 WR over Wes Welker. Why? Is Edelman that much better a blocker? Are we trying to spare Wes the reps to preserve him for the long haul?
I'm not getting it.
Julian Edelman is a punt returner and a slot receiver. He has not proven to be productive as a wide receiver on the outside in the NFL, nor do I think he has the traits to succeed there. And that's not a bad thing - save for the fact that we seem to be plugging him in there. As I said, I don't question Belichick often, but I have to scratch my head over why Edelman is getting so many reps with the 1's, and how we are using him.
I'm all for planning for January & February, and understanding football is a war of attrition, but these games count. If Wes Welker isn't 100% ready to go right now, re-sign Branch or Gaffney, because Edelman is being misused if we plan to continue to use him this much and in this role.
*Defense adjusted value over average
That said, I am currently scratching my head over the sudden emergence of Julian Edelman as our #2WR on the outside, and as the 2nd WR in the 22 personnel - over Wes Welker.
Edelman, like any NFL player, has some clear strengths and weaknesses. If I were to put my amateur scout glasses on, I would say his positives = great change of direction; great elusiveness; great with the ball in his hands; dangerous in space. All of these things project him as a good punt returner, and as a slot receiver running routes underneath or designed screens.
If I were to list his negatives as a receiver, I would say he has been unable to gain separation consistently, especially on vertical routes; does not make well-defended catches; does not have great hands. I would say this projects him as a subpar outside wide receiver.
Consider that in 2010 & 2011 combined, Julian Edelman saw 353 snaps as a receiver, and was targeted only 22 times, making 11 catches (keep in mind a handful of those were designed plays). In 2010, his DVOA* as a receiver was -29.1%, and in 2011, it was -46.8%. For comparison, the much maligned Chad Ochocinco had a DVOA of -4.9%. Edelman didn't receive enough targets to really register on FootballOutsiders, but had he, he would've been one of the least productive wide receivers in the league last season.
Edelman already has 98 snaps on this year. Yesterday, he began the day starting at #2 WR over Wes Welker. Why? Is Edelman that much better a blocker? Are we trying to spare Wes the reps to preserve him for the long haul?
I'm not getting it.
Julian Edelman is a punt returner and a slot receiver. He has not proven to be productive as a wide receiver on the outside in the NFL, nor do I think he has the traits to succeed there. And that's not a bad thing - save for the fact that we seem to be plugging him in there. As I said, I don't question Belichick often, but I have to scratch my head over why Edelman is getting so many reps with the 1's, and how we are using him.
I'm all for planning for January & February, and understanding football is a war of attrition, but these games count. If Wes Welker isn't 100% ready to go right now, re-sign Branch or Gaffney, because Edelman is being misused if we plan to continue to use him this much and in this role.
*Defense adjusted value over average
Last edited: