New England Patriots: 5 player storylines to watch during training camp
Julian Edelman
Back in April, the storyline would’ve been whether Julian Edelman can make it back from his torn ACL and be just as effective as he was prior to sitting out the entire 2017 season.
While social media posts and observations of the 32-year-old wide receiver indicate that he will, a four-game suspension handed down by the NFL has changed the direction of this particular storyline.
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Nailed by the league for use of an unknown substance, Edelman recently lost his appeal challenge the four-game suspension. Now, the team is faced with filling the void left by Edelman in the first four games of the season.
This wouldn’t have been as challenging if Danny Amendola stuck around, but with him gone, Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels has to find another option. It doesn’t have to be another receiver, but the team certainly has many candidates to choose from.
If a healthy Malcolm Mitchell returns and is as good as he was during his rookie campaign, that will help Tom Brady tremendously. Of course, he will have Rob Gronkowski in the mix. Chris Hogan will be an x-factor, but a player such as Jordan Matthews, Phillip Dorsett, Braxton Berrios, Cordarrelle Patterson or Riley McCarron will really have to step up.
Veteran receiver Kenny Britt could also step up to fill some of the void left by Julian Edelman. That, of course, will depend on how well he buys in and what type of chemistry he forms with Brady.
Overall, the story will still be focused on Edelman’s health, but who can step up and replace some of his production will be the larger story.