Julian Edelman should not return punts
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Julian Edelman has one of the highest yards per punt return (12.3 yards) in NFL history. He initially started returning punts as the Patriots tried to reduce Wes Welker's work load. He proved to be better than Welker in that department, so he took over full time. Last year, Edelman proved to be a work horse for the Patriots. Compiling 121 catches for 1,229 yards (including post season). Add that to full time punt return duty and its eye opening. Its time to reduce Edelman's workload by reducing punt returns.
We can see in the chart below how Edelman handled all punt returns
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| Courtesy of pro-football-reference.com |
Julian Edelman returned all but one punt opportunity in all of 2013. If my memory serves me correct, the one time Danny Amendola returned a punt was due to a small injury sustained by Edelman a few plays prior. With all the additional wide receivers on the team who are similar in body type, like Josh Boyce and Jeremy Gallon. It would be great to see if they can step up and show they can contribute in punt returns.
Given Edelman's crucial role in the passing game now. The Patriots should make him a part time punter. Similar to how the Baltimore Ravens used to do with Ed Reed. They would only bring Ed Reed out for punt Returns during big plays in the 4th quarter. This would enable Edelman to be fresher in the passing game and reduce the amount of hits he takes throughout the season. All the while, you can still have him return punts in your biggest moments.
Take a look at Edelman returning punts through first person point of view
To read more from Will Martinez check out the Archive
Twitter: william@thehbfgroup
Via: ESPN Boston
