2015 Patriots Player Preview Series: WR Julian Edelman
As we begin the final stretch before training camp, here's a daily look at some Patriots on the roster where we'll individually preview them heading into the 2015 season. Today's edition, Patriots receiver Julian Edelman.
Players like receivers Dez Bryant and Calvin Johnson tend to get a lot of press each season, but there's something that both players have in common when it comes to Patriots receiver Julian Edelman.
Neither player has as many catches as Julian Edelman over the last two seasons, nor has either been fortunate enough to win a Lombardi Trophy during their careers.
During 2013 and 2014, Bryant caught 93 passes in 2013, and 88 in 2014, while Johnson caught 84 in 2013 and 71 in 2014. Edelman, meanwhile caught 105 in 2013 and 92 in 2014. Not bad for a former 7th round draft pick, who has outperformed both former number one picks in this category over the last two years.
 Edelman had a terrific year in 2014, and was a key piece of the Patriots Championship run. (USA TODAY Images) |
2014 RECAP:
Edelman finished the 2014 regular season with 92 receptions for 972 yards and four touchdowns over 14 games, with the veteran missing the final two games, the last of which was a meaningless game against the Buffalo Bills. During the postseason, Edelman was a key player during their championship run. Against the Baltimore Ravens, he caught 8 passes for 74 yards but threw a 51 yard touchdown to Danny Amendola, which tied the game at 28-28 in the 3rd quarter during their 21 point second-half performance and helped them win their AFC Divisional battle against Baltimore 35-31.
But Edelman stepped up when it mattered most, catching 9 passes for 109 yards, including the go-ahead touchdown with just over two minutes to go in Super Bowl XLIX. Overall it was a terrific year for the veteran receiver, who after the departure of Wes Welker has thoroughly cemented his place in Patriots history with his best years still ahead of him.
DID YOU KNOW?
Edelman was a key performer in helping the Patriots move the chains during the regular season, and actually finished with the highest completion percentage when targeted by Brady on 3rd down among receivers with 10 or more 3rd down catches. He was targeted 28 times and had 22 receptions (79% completion rate) including 15 first downs.
Edelman also lead the team in 2014 with the most fourth quarter receptions, finishing with 19 receptions for 270 yards along with a touchdown. He was also a threat running the football, finishing with a career high 10 carries during the regular season, including 7 first down conversions (70% success rate). He also finished with 3 receptions of 40+ yards, which was another career best.
2015 OUTLOOK:
Edelman has led the team in receptions the last two seasons and there's no reason to believe his reception total shouldn't approach the one-hundred catch mark once again in 2015. He should be poised for another productive season now that the Patriots have added former Bills tight end Scott Chandler, who should be an effective player in New England's offense, as well as the fact New England will be starting the season with a fully healthy Rob Gronkowski.
Overall this team is returning their entire offense this season, with Edelman expected to again be a key contributor. The only thing that could affect his overall numbers could depend on how many games Tom Brady misses, with the veteran QB's total for now sitting at four games as he continues the appeal process with the NFLPA and his legal team.
Either way after seeing what he accomplished last season, it should be exciting to see how Edelman follows up a pretty solid performance. He spent Sunday night collecting his first Super Bowl championship ring, but if he plays like he did in 2014 this season, there are certainly plenty of reasons to believe he could end up in position to win another in 2015.
