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New England Patriots: Julian Edelman’s appeal denied; who steps up?

By Sam Minton

FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 12: Julian Edelman #11 of the New England Patriots looks on before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Gillette Stadium on December 12, 2016 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 12: Julian Edelman #11 of the New England Patriots looks on before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Gillette Stadium on December 12, 2016 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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The tide seemed to be turning in Julian Edelman’s appeal, but the NFL announced on Tuesday that the New England Patriots wideout will be missing the first 4 games of the season.

The New England Patriots will have to survive without Julian Edelman for the first 4 games of the NFL season. The league announced on Tuesday that Edelman’s appeal was denied.

There was a lot of questions after the news of Edelman’s suspension. There were reports that the substance that caused Edelman to fail the test could not be identified. Also, Edelman believed that the proper procedures weren’t followed by the league’s drug testers, but all of that was not enough for the decision to be reversed.

Edelman’s absence will be noticeable. In his last season, he had 98 catches for 1106 yards and 3 touchdowns. When the New England Patriots were in a pinch, Edelman could be relied on to make a catch.

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Who will step up?

So now the Patriots will need their wide receiver corps to step up. First off Chris Hogan has become the No.1 wideout. Hogan is a quality pass catcher, but he needs to stay healthy. It seems like every season Hogan is getting injured.

Also with Edelman out, I expect Braxton Berrios to get some decent playing time. He can slide into the slot and was described as a Julian Edelman like wideout. You hope that Berrios and Tom Brady can build some chemistry fast.

Finally, I expect Jordan Matthews to have a large role with Edelman out. He may be new, but he better learn the playbook fast. Hopefully Matthews can be a deep threat that can take the top off of defenses.

Also, you know there’s this guy named Rob Gronkowski. With Edelman out, the defense will be focusing in on Gronkowski. Gronk will be Brady’s favorite target and hopefully he will still be able to put up some big numbers.

I still think the Patriots will be fine without Edelman. I think they will most likely come out with a 3-1 record, but they could even come out unscathed and undefeated.

Next: The great Rob Gronkowski-Ben Coates debate

Edelman will take the time to relax which will be useful since he is coming off a knee injury. When Julian Edelman comes back he will look to be the dominant wide receiver that we all remember.

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