New England Patriots: Julian Edelman and 5 Pats Ready to Break out in 2011
It was a disappointing conclusion to the 2010 season as the New England Patriots fell to the New York Jets 28-21 in the AFC Divisional Round. For Pats fans, the loss felt like a punch to the gut only amplified by Bart Scott's ridiculous post-game interview.
Many lamented the loss: How could the mighty Patriots fall to the typically lowly Jets (a team the Patriots defeated 45-3 in Week 13)? Others took solace in the fact that the Jets fell to the Pittsburgh Steelers a week later, ending their Super Bowl dreams.
This offseason, Bill Belichick drafted well, as usual, addressing (almost) all of the Pats' needs as well as garnering more future draft picks. The rookie class is full of talent (including highly-rated quarterback Ryan Mallett and spell-check prone Ras-I Dowling), but the core group remains in tact.
It seems strange that the Patriots haven't won a Super Bowl since 2004, considering they've been one of the top regular-season teams, qualifying for the playoffs in every season except 2008. The window for this group—Wes Welker, Vince Wilfork, dare I say Tom Brady—is closing, but here's five players who could break out in 2011 and help the Pats back to elite status.
Julian Edelman
1 of 5
Anointed as Wes Welker's "mini-me," Edelman has yet to find much success at the pro level. Unfortunately, the same characteristics—toughness, agility, ball control—that make him such an asset have placed him on the bench behind Welker. Belichick seems to believe that he needs a Randy Moss type receiver (Brandon Tate, anyone?) to complement Welker. Seeing the two diminutive receivers on the field together is rare.
But Edelman has proved quite effective when given time. He's the team's best punt returner, and in Week 17, with many starters sitting out, Edelman caught three passes for 72 yards.
Opponents, after years of trial and mostly error, have figured out how to cover one Wes Welker. It would be in Belichick's best interest to see if they can cover two.
Aaron Hernandez
2 of 5
As the youngest player in the NFL in 2010, Hernandez caught 45 passes for 563 yards and six touchdowns. Grabbing the tight end in the fourth round was a steal.
As long as he's a Patriot, Hernandez probably won't put up big touchdown numbers as fellow tight end Rob Gronkowski has proved himself as one of the league's best end zone threats.
But Hernandez, perhaps the Patriots' most athletic player, established himself as a legitimate downfield threat in the way that Gronkowski didn't. Hernandez allows Tom Brady to stretch the field and open up slots for BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Wes Welker and Danny Woodhead.
Expect Hernandez to see increased usage in 2011 for 700-800 yards receiving and eight to 10 touchdowns.
Rob Ninkovich
3 of 5
Ninkovich recorded a career-high 62 tackles in 2010 along with four sacks and two interceptions. Many predicted the Patriots would use one of their top draft picks on a pass rushing linebacker or defensive end. They didn't, so the core group, including Ninkovich, will have to step up its production.
Ninkovich should see increased playing time this year, and it's well deserved. He's one of those players whose name always seems to be mentioned by the analysts. Even when he's not making a tackle, he's cutting off a lane or breaking a block. Another year of experience in the system can do nothing but help.
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Tully Banta-Cain
4 of 5
It probably seems odd to assert that a 30-year-old eight-year veteran is primed for a breakout season. But Banta-Cain keeps getting better and better despite his mileage getting higher and higher.
Like Rob Ninkovich, Banta-Cain always seems to have his named called during the TV broadcasts. It's not just the distinctive names; Both are effective yet quiet defensive players, smart and understated, all of Belichick's favorite qualities.
Banta-Cain started six games in 2010. With the acquisition of Marcus Stroud, don't expect him to make many more in 2011. As usual though, he'll come off the bench and be good for another 50 tackles and seven or eight sacks.
Brandon Spikes
5 of 5
As a rookie in 2010, Spikes was having a fantastic season at inside linebacker, including a 16-tackle performance in Week 6 against the Ravens. Then, just before Week 14, Spikes was suspended for the remainder of the season for violating the NFL's substance policy.
Spikes has been in trouble on and off the field, but the one consistent in his career has been his production. He was an All-American at Florida and Bill Belichick—the master of the NFL draft—took him with a second-round pick. Maybe Belichick could have waited another round like he did with Ryan Mallett this year. That he didn't tells me that Belichick believes in Spikes, and I think I speak for all Patriots fans when I say that's good enough for me.
That is, you know, if they decide to play football this year.
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