NFL
More drama out of Foxborough as Patriots star wide receiver Julian Edelman faces a four-game suspension for PED use. Looking for a bounce-back campaign after missing the 2017 season with a torn ACL, Edelman will have to put that effort on hold following this shocking news. While headlines have swirled about the Patriots all off-season, this could be the most damaging to the team’s on-field success in 2018.
What We Know
After violating the NFL’s Performance-Enhancing Drug (PED) Policy, Edelman is in jeopardy of missing the Patriots first four games. According to ESPN, Edelman has filed an appeal, citing that he “has taken ‘hundreds of tests’ and has not tested positive before”. If the suspension holds, however, Brady will miss his go-to receiver for the start of the season.
Edelman’s Comeback
This news comes as a huge blow to Edelman’s “bounce-back” season. After missing all of last year with a torn ACL, the big-game receiver had his eyes set on a big 2018. Now potentially missing the first four games of this season, against the Texans, Jaguars, Lions, and Dolphins, Edelman’s rebound will produce diminished returns.
Missing a Great Receiver
If the suspension stands, the Patriots will be at a major loss. Prior to his injury in 2017, Edelman was one of Tom Brady’s most trusted receivers. Over the past four seasons, Brady’s safety net has topped 970 yards three times and added 20 touchdowns.
He was also a major factor in the Pats Super Bowl victories in 2014 and 2016.
In Super bowl XLIX (2014), Edelman tallied 109 receiving yards on 12 receptions. His biggest play occurred with 2:02 left in the 4th quarter. Down 24-21, Tom Brady found Edelman in the end zone to put the Pats up 28-24. This touchdown would ultimately prove to be the game winner.
In Super Bowl LI, Edelman was again leaned on by Tom Brady. Tallying five receptions and 87 yards, the receiver came up big yet again in crunch time. Down 28-20 to the Falcons with 2:28 left in regulation, CB Robert Alford tipped a Tom Brady pass intended for Edelman. As defenders swarmed to grab the floating ball, Edelman muscled the ball from three defenders to avoid a turnover. The Patriots proceeded to score on that drive to tie it up, and later win the game.
Others to Step Up in Edelman’s Absence
With the star receiver potentially missing four games, other Patriot receivers will need to step up. Brady will surely rely on his All-Pro Tight End, Rob Gronkowski, who paced the position in receiving yards (1083) and 1st downs (55). New England will also look to feature receivers Chris Hogan and Malcolm Mitchell, as well as new addition Jordan Mathews.
New England Making Headlines
The headlines and media attention are nothing new for the Patriots as of late. Back in January reports surfaced of extreme tension between owner Robert Kraft, Head Coach Bill Belichick, and Star Quarterback Tom Brady. With Belichick looking to groom young phenom Jimmy Garoppolo for the starting job, Brady pressured Kraft to move the young QB. Following stiff disagreement between Kraft and Belichick, the Patriots ultimately dealt Garoppolo to the 49ers for a second-round pick.
From there, things have spiraled out of control. Rumors of tension between Belichick and Brady immediately followed the Garoppolo report. These were seemingly confirmed by Brady’s absence at optional workouts last month. Patriots Tight End Rob Gronkowski also skipped the optional workouts. Both have returned for mandatory minicamp earlier this week.
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This article was originally written by former TSJ101SPORTS NFL Department Head and writer William Zurcher. Due to systems modalities, the article has been assigned to the author tag designation “Former Writers”.
