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New England Patriots: Examining Julian Edelman’s Value in Super Bowl LI

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

Dec 18, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) runs onto the field before the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) runs onto the field before the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman will be the most valuable wide receiver on the field in Houston.

While Julio Jones is getting all the talk, New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman could be the most important factor in Super Bowl LI.  Unlike the Atlanta Falcons high-powered offense, Tom Brady and the Patriots depend on Edelman more than Atlanta depends on Jones when it comes to keeping the chains moving.

That is not to say Edelman is more dangerous than Jones, it just means without Edelman, the Patriots’ offense doesn’t run as smoothly.  As any Patriots fan knows, the short passing game has been a main reason for New England’s success for almost a decade.  Take away the year Brady had a man named Randy Moss to throw deep bombs to and the numbers are evident.

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There was Troy Brown, Deion Branch, Wes Welker and now Edelman who is seventh all-time in playoff receptions.  He is a reliable third-down chain mover and a tough, gritty 5-foot-10 receiver who can turn any short slant pass into major yardage gained.  Edelman’s reliability and chemistry with Brady is why Skip Bayless ranked him ahead of Jones when it comes to the most important receiver on the field for either side come Sunday.

"“It ain’t even close, it’s Edelman over Julio Jones,” Bayless said during Wednesday’s airing of “Undisputed.”  “Julian Edelman is all that Tom Brady has.  His is by far the most targeted Patriot.”"

Without the services of Rob Gronkowski, Bayless is right.  The Patriots have a nice group of receivers and receiving running backs, but it is Julian Edelman who have been there before and it is Julian Edelman who Brady will target when a key play is needed.

Related Story: Julian Edelman Explains ‘The Look’ He Gives Brady

In this game, expect the Brady-to-Edelman connection to get rolling pretty early in the game.  While many predict the Patriots will run the ball to control clock, I think they will control clock with the short passing game to test the Falcons second and third level defenders.

The toughness of Edelman will also help set the tone.  His emotion and aggressive nature should transcend and help the other receivers get into the game and involved.  With this being the first ever Super Bowl for most of Brady’s other targets, Edelman will be more important than ever for the offense.

Next: Super Bowl LI Extra Emotional for Tom Brady

I am predicting Julian Edelman will catch at least eight passes for over 100 yards and a key touchdown in this game.  In doing so, he will have a bigger game and impact than Julio Jones.

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