New England Patriots: 3 anchors of passing game without Rob Gronkowski

New England Patriots: Who anchors passing game without Rob Gronkowski

By Sam Minton | Mar 26, 2019

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 13: Sony Michel #26 of the New England Patriots reacts with Rob Gronkowski #87 after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter of the AFC Divisional Playoff Game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Gillette Stadium on January 13, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

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ATLANTA, GA – FEBRUARY 03: Julian Edelman #11 of the New England Patriots (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

1. Julian Edelman

On offense your No.1 target is rather clear. Julian Edelman is the guy that Tom Brady will be looking to get the ball to on every play.

Edelman is the perfect slot receiver. He knows how to gain separation and is a great route runner.

Even though he missed 4 games last season he was still the Patriots top receiver. In 12 games he racked up 74 catches for 850 yards and 6 touchdowns.

As soon as Edelman returned to the field it was like the offense flipped a switch. All of a sudden everything started to come together.

Now Edelman will have to continue to churn out these great numbers. At 32 I don’t know if he will be able to do so.

So expect Julian Edelman to get plenty of targets in 2019. They will definitely need him to continue to be the great slot receiver that he has always been.

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