New England Patriots: Why Gunner Olszewski is future of passing game

The New England Patriots offense has changed a lot and with Julian Edelman having a reduced role, Gunner Olszewski could be the future of the passing game.

So far this season has been rather interesting for the New England Patriots. A lot of things have changed and that includes the passing game. Some wide receivers really seem to be breaking out and this includes Gunner Olszewski.

It might not seem like it based on the stats, but Julian Edelman has struggled so far in 2020. He has dropped plenty of passes and isn’t even the No.1 wideout on New England’s roster.

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Edelman’s drops finally cost the Patriots. In New England’s Week 4 game against the Chiefs a ball went through his hands and right to Tyrann Mathieu’s. He took it to the end zone and it completely changed the game.

It seems as though we are starting to see the decline of Edelman. He is no longer a major part of the Patriots offense.

Prior to this season, the Patriots have relied on Edelman to be a great slot receiver. So who will step up in his place?

One player who seems primed to replace Edelman is Olszewski. He is another short pass catcher who is able to use his speed to get open. Also like Edelman, Gunner is an experienced kick returner.

So far this season, Olszewski has only one catch but Bill Belichick is impressed with the wideout. He described his growth on Thursday.

"“I think he’s certainly improved, both physically and in terms of his rehab and conditioning, which started last year when he went on injured reserve during the season. And then as a player with a year of experience, even though it wasn’t a full year of on-the-field experience, his experience in the system and in the league I think gave him a big jump in terms of what he needed to do personally from a training standpoint, from a technique and skills improvement and also just knowing how the rest of the league is – what to anticipate in terms of coverages, kicking situations and so forth. He’s definitely a much better player and a much more experienced and aware player than he was last year, and I think that’s shown up in the course of camp and in the game that he played in last week. So, it’s good to have him back and hopefully he’ll be able to make an explosive play for us along the way here.”"

That is quite the compliment to get from Belichick. It seems like he wants to use Olszewski more this season.

Now Gunner still has some way to go but it will be interesting to see how he is used. It wouldn’t be surprising to see him get more opportunities. If Edelman continues to struggle catching the ball, Olszewski should get more opportunities in the slot.

So far Cam Newton has shown that he won’t rely on a single wideout. Newton has shared the wealth among N’Keal Harry, Damiere Byrd, and others. Expect Gunner to get plenty of looks.

With Edelman nearing the end of his career the Patriots need to start thinking about the future. Also with Bill Belichick having a quick trigger when it comes to veteran players the Patriots need a replacement sooner rather than later.

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Right now Olszewski seems to be the best option to replace Edelman and expect him to show why as the 2020 season progresses.

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