Julian Edelman is one of the most successful players in the recent Foxborough era, so his opinion carries weight for certain analyses. Through his X account, the former WR pointed out where his team needs to improve: “Hold the line defense. Hold the line.”

Over the course of his twelve years as a professional player, Edelman lifted the Vince Lombardi Trophy on three occasions, all of them with the Patriots: Super Bowl XLIX, Super Bowl LI, and Super Bowl LIII.

One of the most explosive receivers in recent times in the NFL, and Tom Brady’s main ally, knows for certain where his former team must prioritize its energy to counter Seattle’s attacks.

Patriots’ defense can’t handle Seattle

So far in Super Bowl LX, the New England Patriots still can’t contain the Seattle Seahawks. Despite not allowing any touchdowns in the first half, New England’s defense has struggled to slow down Seattle’s attack — just as Edelman pointed out, and that will be one of the key areas they need to improve going forward.

It will be a matter of seeing whether Vrabel can finally make the necessary adjustments to balance the flow of the game, not just in terms of the score but also in how it’s played. The Patriots’ hopes are still alive.

Who are we talking about? None other than Julian Edelman, one of the players who helped build a legacy with the Patriots alongside Brady and Belichick, and someone who frequently weighs in on various situations unfolding around the league.

In this case, one of the most talented wide receivers of recent years—who lifted the Vince Lombardi Trophy multiple times in New England—made it clear that Shedeur will continue to elevate his game week after week.

“I think the expectation is that Sanders will be better than last week,” he said on Friday during “The Herd”. “He’s playing a pretty bad team, but has a good defense in the Raiders. Maxx Crosby could ruin a guy’s day.”

A tough trip to Las Vegas

The Cleveland Browns face a critical challenge on the road this weekend against the Las Vegas Raiders, but all eyes are on the man under center: rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who will be making his first NFL start.

The matchup carries extra intrigue, as the Raiders were heavily linked to Sanders in the pre-draft process, with many analysts projecting him to land in Las Vegas before the Browns ultimately selected him in the fifth round.

Now, in a twist of fate, the rookie will debut at Allegiant Stadium against the very team that was rumored to be his landing spot, setting the stage for a compelling, high-pressure battle where the Las Vegas defense will get a front-row seat to what they may have missed out on.

What’s next for the Browns?

The Browns are staring down a brutal three-game slate. It begins this weekend with a high-stakes road game against the Las Vegas Raiders, followed by a tough home stand that features the NFC powerhouse San Francisco 49ers.

The punishing sequence concludes with a home battle against the Tennessee Titans. Navigating these three drastically different opponents—an AFC foe on the road, an NFC championship contender, and another strong AFC opponent—will be crucial for the Browns to maintain their postseason aspirations heading into the final stretch of the season.

The GOAT debate has long featured names like Joe Montana, Peyton Manning, and of course, Brady himself. While many NFL legends have acknowledged Mahomes as a legitimate contender for the title of greatest of all time, the gap between him and Brady, at least in terms of championships and career statistics, remains significant. Brady’s unmatched resume with the Patriots includes numerous records and seven Super Bowl rings, setting the bar extremely high.

Still, the GOAT conversation isn’t just about numbers. Leadership, consistency, and the ability to win when it matters most are all key factors. And while Mahomes is building a strong case with each passing season, Edelman didn’t shy away from weighing in on what it would take for the Chiefs quarterback to claim the title.

Speaking to The Schmo ahead of Super Bowl LVIII in 2024, Edelman praised Mahomes’ current level of play but offered a measured take. “He’s playing g*** well right now. I’ll tell you right now, he’s a stud. He’s without a doubt the game’s best quarterback, and if he keeps playing the way he is and stays durable, he’s got a shot,” Edelman said.

However, Edelman emphasized that longevity and adaptability are critical. “He can go through the transformations of his team, he’s going to go through two or three different squads. You’ve got to start putting him up there. But until then, no, he can’t be the GOAT,” he added.

Edelman reveals the proudest moment of his NFL career

Patriots legend didn’t just weigh in on Patrick Mahomes and his place in the GOAT conversation, he also opened up about the moment he’s most proud of in his career. Interestingly, it came in a game against Mahomes and the Chiefs, who were already emerging as a powerhouse.

“I think going into Kansas City in 2018 and winning that AFC Championship on the road was one of my proudest moments. We had lost two AFC Championships on the road, and there was this whole thing that we couldn’t win away from home. To go in and beat the Kansas City Chiefs, who were the young, sexy team, while we were the old guys, it was just fun,” Edelman said.

Edelman’s lasting legacy with the Patriots

During his time with the New England Patriots, Edelman established himself as one of the most reliable and clutch wide receivers in the league. Known for his speed, grit, and fearless route running, Edelman played a pivotal role in helping the franchise win three Super Bowls. Let’s take a look at his career in the NFL.

• Regular season stats:
  • Years: 2009-2020
  • Games Played: 141
  • Receptions: 620
  • Receiving Yards: 6,822
  • Receiving Touchdowns: 36
  • Rushing Yards: 413
  • Rushing Touchdowns: 4
• Postseason stats:
  • Games Played: 19
  • Receptions: 118
  • Receiving Yards: 1,442
  • Receiving Touchdowns: 5
• Super Bowl stats:
  • Super Bowl Appearances: 3 (XLVI, XLIX, LIII)
  • Super Bowl Wins: 3 (XLIX, LI, LIII)
  • Super Bowl MVP: 1 (Super Bowl LIII)
• Key accomplishments:
  • Three-time Super Bowl Champion
  • Super Bowl LIII MVP
  • Second-most receiving yards in NFL postseason history

The successful wide receiver, who played eleven seasons with New England, has been selected to join the Hall of Fame. Edelman became a Patriot in 2009 and quickly became one of the most successful players in the franchise’s history.

The news was confirmed by NFL insider Adam Schefter, who, through his official X (formerly Twitter) account, reported the major recognition for the former Kent State player.

“Patriots selected Julian Edelman into their Hall of Fame as the team’s 37th inductee,” the insider reported via @AdamSchefter.

Kraft’s words on Edelman

Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots, was among the first to speak out about Edelman’s selection to the Hall of Fame—a well-earned honor following his successful seasons with the franchise that helped cement his legacy as one of the winningest players in team history.

“Julian Edelman is one of the great success stories in our franchise’s history,” Patriots owner Robert Kraft said in a statement. “There aren’t many players who earn an NFL roster spot at a position they have never played before. Julian not only did that as a seventh-round draft selection, but he finished his career with the second-most receptions in franchise history and as a three-time Super Bowl Champion, including his last as Super Bowl MVP.

No one was more committed to his craft and honing his skills than Jules. His explosiveness off the line, quickness in his cuts and elusiveness after the catch made him one of the hardest players to defend. His clutch catches in our biggest games and overall toughness made him a fan favorite.”

Edelman’s greatest achievements in New England

The Patriots’ last dynasty, led by Bill Belichick and Tom Brady, featured Julian Edelman as one of its key offensive weapons. The wide receiver, who began his career as a quarterback, hoisted the Vince Lombardi Trophy three times and was named Super Bowl MVP in one of those championship runs.

Here are the three titles won by the wide receiver during his time in Foxboro:

• Super Bowl XLIX (2015): Patriots defeated the Seattle Seahawks 28-24
• Super Bowl LI (2017): Patriots mounted a historic comeback to beat the Atlanta Falcons 34-28 in overtime
• Super Bowl LIII (2019): Patriots triumphed over the Los Angeles Rams 13-3, with Edelman earning Super Bowl MVP honors

The debate now centers around whether this particular matchup between the AFC East and AFC North teams could be considered one of the strongest rivalries in recent times. According to Julian Edelman, one of the last great figures of the Pats, it undoubtedly is.

In a recent episode of the ‘Games with Names’ podcast, the historic New England wide receiver stated that these matchups didn’t receive the recognition they deserved. “[The Patriots and Ravens] were a rivalry, that’s what people don’t realize,” Edelman said h/t BaltimoreRavens.com writer Kyle Phoenix.

“Because we would play each other because we always won our divisions in the regular season so all the ‘ones’ play each other and then we’d always play each other in the playoffs. And the Baltimore Ravens were never scared to come to Foxborough. There were teams that used to [crap] their pants when they had to drive on Highway 1 and get up in there where we used to play the game. Baltimore came in in ’09, they didn’t give a [crap]. And they beat our [butts] right from the jump of that game. I hated it.”

The recent matchups between the Pats and Ravens

Both the Patriots and Ravens have been the protagonists of great battles in recent years in the NFL’s American Conference. On one sideline, Bill Belichick; on the other, John Harbaugh. While the Pats secured the most victories, Baltimore’s win proved to have a greater impact on the final outcome of the season.

It turns out that in their last four playoff matchups, the New England Patriots came out victorious in three of them, while the other was a win for the Ravens. The team, led at the time by Joe Flacco, defeated Tom Brady’s squad 28-13 on the road.

What was decisive about this last game is that it allowed Harbaugh’s team to reach Super Bowl XLVII, where they eventually crowned themselves champions after defeating the San Francisco 49ers, led by Colin Kaepernick, in New Orleans.

Edelman’s titles with New England

Julian Edelman became a living legend in New England, playing a crucial role in many great feats. Alongside Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski, he helped lead the Foxborough team to multiple Super Bowl titles, with the wide receiver winning the Vince Lombardi Trophy three times.

The former Kent State player was a key figure in Super Bowls XLIX, LI, and LIII, with the notable distinction that in the latter, he was named the game’s MVP.

The player in question is none other than former WR Julian Edelman, who, along with Belichick and Tom Brady, helped build a dynasty in New England. Edelman appeared on The Herd with Colin Cowherd on Tuesday, explaining why the New York Giants would be a ‘really enticing’ option for Belichick to return to coaching.

“I love Daboll (Brian),” Edelman said. “But the fate of what they (Giants) put on the field, you’re going to go down with that ship.

“If that opens up.. I remember any time we played in New York or we played the Giants, you could just see a jingle in Belichick’s spirit,” Edelman continued. “He loved talking about those old Giants teams, and he loved talking about that organization. You could tell that he loved the New York football Giants.”

Belichick and the concrete possibility of coaching the Giants

The decisive 28-6 defeat in their debut against the Minnesota Vikings casts serious doubts on the future of Giants head coach Brian Daboll. In this scenario, one of the leading candidates, due to his experience, track record, and current availability, is Bill Belichick.

Nevertheless, there is no guarantee that Belichick would accept another head coaching position, even in New York. He is beginning to enjoy his post-coaching life, signing lucrative endorsement deals and discussing football on ESPN.

Bill Belichick has a history with the Giants: he served as the defensive coordinator under head coach Bill Parcells in the 1980s, during which the team won Super Bowl XXI and Super Bowl XXV.

The surprising victory led by Jacoby Brissett caught both fans and analysts off guard. In a result few anticipated, the Patriots secured a solid 16-10 win on the road against the Bengals’ home turf and are poised to make a strong push in the AFC East.

In light of this situation, it was none other than the former Super Bowl champion and Tom Brady’s teammate with the Patriots Julian Edelman, who took to his social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to shower Jerod Mayo, who achieved his first win as the team’s head coach, with praise.

“Shoutout to Coach Mayo on win #1. Don’t listen to the noise. Keep working, keep improving. More to come. #LFG”, the former wide receiver stated on his social media.

It’s worth noting that the wide receiver spent his entire career with New England, winning three Super Bowl rings: XLIX, LI, and LIII. Alongside Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski, he formed one of the NFL’s most formidable offensive trios.

A surprising debut for the Patriots

As Paycor Stadium was dressed to impress for the matchup between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Patriots, few anticipated such a solid performance from the New England squad.

A franchise in the midst of a rebuilding phase, no longer featuring legends like Tom Brady and Bill Belichick on the field, placed their bets on Jacoby Brissett’s experience to lead a team that committed virtually no errors and effectively neutralized Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase in nearly all their attempts.

With a solid performance on both defense and offense, Jerod Mayo‘s squad secured a 16-10 victory, delivering the former Belichick assistant his first win as a head coach.

What’s next for the New England Patriots?

Following a successful season opener for Mayo’s squad, the AFC East is tighter than ever, as both the Bills and Dolphins also secured victories without conceding any points.

To remain competitive in their conference, the Patriots will need to navigate these tough upcoming games to truly determine what they are capable of this season:

• Week 2, vs Seattle Seahawks
• Week 3, vs New York Jets
• Week 4, vs San Francisco 49ers
• Week 5, vs Miami Dolphins
• Week 6, vs Houston Texans

Mac Jones suffered a high-ankle sprainin Week 3, a 26-37 home loss to the Baltimore Ravens, and his return to the field remains in doubt. With backup QB Brian Hoyer is on injured reserve with a head injury,it looks like Zappe could get his first start on Sunday against the Lions.

Making the playoffs remains the team’s goal, but the outlook is not great. In addition to itsquarterback situation, New England iscurrently bottom of the AFC East as thedivision rivals look stronger than ever. Will the Patriots ultimately find their way to the postseason? Julian Edelman thinksthey should focus on one game at a time.

Julian Edelman says Patriots can’t think of NFL playoffs yet

“Will the Pats make the playoffs? Right now, they need to just worry about winning a game,” Edelman said, via Hayden Bird of Boston.com.“It’s way too early in the season to think about the playoffs, especially when you’re on your third quarterback, Zappe. Zappe, am I saying it right? I keep on thinking Zippo, like a lighter. That’s what I was thinking about when he came in. Maybe he’ll give them a light. No light, no light.

“It was still great to see the Pats compete against Green Bay in Lambeau. And that’s what they’re going to be: They’re going to be a competitive football team. But it’s real right now. Right now, they can’t think about the playoffs. They need to think about winning a game. They have to think about winning a game.”

Edelman knows a thing or two about winning in Foxborough, and his view makes sense. The Patriots still have a long way to go, and their start wasn’t the best. The best they can do is to take it game by game.

Tom Brady‘s departure a year earlier left a huge vacancy in New England, with Cam Newton failing to impress in 2020. However, Bill Belichick trusted in the 15th overall pick from the very beginning, naming him the starting quarterback ahead of Newton.

Jones went on to have a remarkable rookie season, leading the Patriots to their first playoffssince Brady left. Now, many people believe the future is bright for New England with Jones at the helm. But Julian Edelman warns that he has yet a lot to prove.

Julian Edelman explains what Mac Jones needsto be great

While Jones’ first year in the NFL gave people reasons for optimism, it’s true that we have yet to see more from him. As Robert Kraft said, this year will be very telling. That’s what Edelman suggested in an appearance on the I AM ATHLETE podcast.

“If he strengthens up, and he uses last year for the starting point, and he doesn’t smell his own roses and he goes out and he gets better this year – because we ultimately see our biggest leaps from that Year 1 to Year 2 for that quarterback, I think he could be a good quarterback,” Edelman said, viaNick O’Malley of MassLive.com.“He’s not there quite yet.”

Of course, it’s still too soon to tell whether the Patriots have found in Jones a long-term quarterback. Jones finished his rookie season with 2,813 yards, 22 touchdowns and 13 interceptions, helping the Patriots reach the Wild Card round of the playoffs. This year, we’ll see if he can do even better.

The scariest dynasty of the past two decades missed the playoffs last year with Cam Newton under center. And, even though he’s likely going to start next season as well, it’s clear that he’s not the long-term answer at Foxboro.

That’s why Bill Belichick set his sights on Alabama standout Mac Jones with the 15th overall pick. He could be a franchise quarterback in the making, but he’ll have to handle otherworldly pressure if he wants to make it in New England, according to Julian Edelman.

Julian Edelman Says Mac Jones Will Be Under A Lot Of Pressure

“He needs to have that eye,” Edelman said on Michael Irvin’s podcast, as quoted by ProFootballTalk. “He needs to have that confidence. (…) What are you going to do? This kid, it’s not easy playing in New England, especially after Tom Brady, if he gets the opportunity and beats out the other guy. This ain’t going to be easy. This town is tough. This town is mean. This town is blue-collar. Boston people, the New England people, they want winning. They’re used to that in all sports. The kid’s going to have a lot of pressure.”

Edelman sure knows one thing or two about succeeding in Foxboro. He was Tom Brady’s go-to guy in the playoffs more often than not and earned Belichick’s respect thanks to his work ethic and toughness. Now, it’ll be up to Mac Jones to live up to those standards:

“When you play on Bill teams, [first-round picks] are usually defensive ends,” Edelman added. “Those are usually corners. We usually have the 28th pick or something — we’re getting a defensive player. That’s how Bill builds a team. But if you come in and you’re a quarterback drafted by Bill Belichick, I mean, let’s go, buddy.”

There’s no denying that Jones has the talent and upside to become New England’s franchise cornerstone going forward. Then again, we’ve seen countless college stars crumble under pressure when they make it to the league.

Needless to say, his retirement has prompted a huge debate on social media and even between TV analysts, as some people believe that he’s done enough merits to being inducted into the Hall of Fame, while others not.

He’s got 3 rings, a Super Bowl MVP, and countless highlights in the playoffs, but he was rather pedestrian during the regular season and doesn’t have Hall-of-Famer kind of numbers (620 receptions, 6,822 yards, and 40 total touchdowns).

Bill Belichick Says Julian Edelman Is The Most Improved Player He’s Ever Coached

Then again, coach Bill Belichick couldn’t care less about his Hall of Fame case. For all he knows, he’s one of the physically and mentally tougher players he’s ever met, and that’s why he showered him in praise for the multiple transitions he did throughout his career.

Edelman was the jack of all trades for Belichick. He went from playing quarterback in college to become a punt returner, safety, and wide receiver; while also serving as Tom Brady‘s de-facto backup more than once:

“Julian’s been one of the players that’s probably come further than most every other player that I’ve coached,” Belichick started.

“His development from a quarterback in college to a receiver, punt returner and even a defensive player, all positions that he never played. To excel as a punt return and receiver for a number of years at those difficult positions is quite an accomplishment, especially considering that he didn’t do those things, wasn’t trained to do them, in college. His toughness, his competitiveness, his playmaking ability was a big part of the backbone of our team. I have a ton of respect for Julian, what he accomplished in his career, how hard he worked to accomplish it, and I have a great appreciation for all he’s done for me personally and our organization,” he concluded.

Hall of Famer or not, plenty of players would’ve died to win three Super Bowls, and Edelman made plenty of money throughout his career to be worried about that. Hopefully, he’ll be back at full strength rather sooner than later to enjoy his much-deserved retirement.