The New England Patriots have a convincing lead over the New York Jets but could be without Julian Edelman, who is questionable with a chest injury.
The New England Patriots look like they will cakewalk to 3-0 on the year, as they have a significant lead over the New York Jets at home in Week 3. While the Patriots might have the best defense in football in years, they are starting to get a little depleted in the receiving corps.
We all know about the Antonio Brown fiasco, but Julian Edelman suffered a chest injury in Week 3. He is questionable to return for the ball game. How could this impact the Patriots’ viability in the coming weeks?
Well, Edelman is the most seasoned receiving threat the Patriots have now that tight end Rob Gronkowski called it a career this past offseason after nine years in the league. Edelman is known for his big playmaking abilities in crunch time. Not having him for any length of time could be devastating for the Patriots’ passing game.
Though Tom Brady looks better physically than he did even a decade ago, he is no spring chicken. Brady will want his star slot receiver available for easy, short completions to keep the sticks moving. If he is out for any length of time, expect the Patriots offense to undergo a few changes to counterbalance Edelman’s absence.
Sure, Brady could look to dump passes off to guys in the backfield like James White or try to see if Sony Michel is interested in being a receiving back in any capacity this year. But not having a star tight end to help complement Edelman in the short-to-medium passing game could be problematic for the Patriots long-term.
Fortunately for New England, Brady and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels have over a decade’s experience of working together. So the duo can find ways to move the sticks even if Edelman is banged up this early in the season.
Given that he looked to be in a lot of pain, we probably won’t see Edelman back in the ball game. The Patriots are up big on the Jets and subjecting a player they’ll need down the line in Edelman to further injury wouldn’t be pragmatic at all.
Look for Brady and head coach Bill Belichick to find other ways to offset Edelman’s injury. Just don’t expect him to do much of anything should he return at any point in this ball game.