Patriots Receiving Core Needs To Emerge From Edelman's Shadow Early.

Since 2009 Julian Edelman has been the guy in the Patriots receiving. Over that span, he has played in 137 regular season.games and was even named the mvp of superbowl 53. Edelman became the security for the Patriots, even with all the injuries. However, Edelman was cut and retired this offseason which changes things for the offense.

Over the course of the past few years, Edelman had started having an issue with drops. The drop in the fourth quarter versus the defending superbowl champs, the Kansas City Chiefs in 2020 that led to a pick six and put the game out of reach when the Patriots appeared on the verge of a comeback, was probably the biggest drop of recent memory.

Even with the drops, there were fans wondering how different the season could've gone if Edelman was on the field. Why? Because when the Patriots needed to move the chains or make a play, Edelman could normally be counted on and fans got used to it.

In 2018 Edelman was targeted 108 times, catching 74 passes. 63 of those were for a first down. In 2019 he was targeted 153 times, with 54 of his 100 receptions going for a first down. In 2020 he was targeted 39 times catching 21 passes with 18 going for a first down. Edelman was targeted 24.83, 24.95 percent over Brady's last two years. 

And 19.21 percent during his six games in 2020.

What I'm getting at is if the Patriots receivers don't show up early on third down this season, the fan base is going to let them know. Even with Meyers showing a lot of potential, there are going to be plenty of 'Edelman would've made that catch' comments. 

If the passing game isn't working, people will blame Belichick for letting Edelman retire, and of course for not acquiring Julio. They will be screaming on social media for Jules to come back. The fan base did a number on Cyrus Jones's confidence, so they can get to the Patriots receivers. 

Now I do believe Edelman could return if needed in December but I won't hold my breath. The question is are the receivers ready for the backlash if things don't go right, is their skin thick enough? And is the fan base ready for that negativity if things start bad?