Super Bowl XLVI: Do You Trust Edelman in the Slot?
by Greg Knopping on Jan 30, 2012 1:00 PM EST
in Patriots Game Previews
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Giants wide receiver Mario Manningham made some headlines earlier this week with some brash comments about Patriots receiver / defensive back Julian Edelman:
"I hope he's out there when we play them. I don't want to sound like that, but you know what I mean. To our advantage, I hope he's out there."
He continued:
"It's a different stage. This ain't regular season. That ain't your real position, so we're going to try to expose you. It's all or nothing now. That ain't your position, this is the Super Bowl and we want you to play that position."
Edelman has played at the slot cornerback position at times throughout the year, but has really seen his playtime increase over the past few weeks, as he has seemingly surpassed Nate Jones on the depth chart.
Manningham likely saw Edelman struggle in the final drive against the Ravens while covering Anquan Boldin. However, aside from that brief stretch, if Manningham were to turn on the tape, he would likely see that Edelman actually has held his own in coverage.
I'm not going to try and lie to myself and say that Edelman is the perfect solution at slot cornerback. He's not. He will have his hands full trying to cover Manningham, or god forbid, Victor Cruz in the slot. But I do believe he is being underrated by Manningham.
So will Edelman see extensive time at cornerback during Super Bowl XLVI?
At this point, it's tough to say. I do believe he sees the field before Nate Jones, but due to the downfield ability of the Giants receivers, I could see the Patriots coaching staff throwing a wrinkle into their sub-packages by bringing on Antwaun Molden as the 5th defensive back instead. In this scenario, Molden would play left cornerback, with Devin McCourty shifting over to free safety, and Sterling Moore coming onto the field as the slot cornerback. While Molden struggles covering the underneath throws, he's shown he can be average to above average covering the deep ball.
The reason this issue warrants it's own article is because of the sheer volume of plays that I expect New England to be in sub-packages. The Giants run a lot of their offense out of the shot-gun and 3-wide receiver sets, and therefore the Patriots won't running the 3-4 or 4-3 base defense against the personnel groupings.
All of this being said, what's your opinion on how the Patriots' defensive backfield should look in sub-packages come Sunday's Super Bowl against the New York Giants?
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Molden might be able to cover the deep ball
but I’m too worried about PI penalties from him. Seemed like there was a lot of those from him on deep balls when he was out there during the regular season.
by DrJgopatsgators on Jan 30, 2012 1:15 PM EST reply actions
go right ahead giants
and underrate our defense.
more like" underrating" a WR playing slot C against a great slot rec. facts r facts ..ideally thats not what u want ..as a Pat fan.
I may not be the most noble of men but in a town of lepers, im the one with the most fingers.
Giant LB'zz SUCK!! Mark Herzlich, Jacquian Williams,...Maybe .. Sadly this has been modified.
no...im not.
I may not be the most noble of men but in a town of lepers, im the one with the most fingers.
Giant LB'zz SUCK!! Mark Herzlich, Jacquian Williams,...Maybe .. Sadly this has been modified.
That WR playing slot CB
Is guaranteed to be jacked up beyond recognition and will put on the best defensive performance of his career—thanks to the boneheaded comments of said slot WR.
Motivation is powerful stuff. Manningham is allowed to have those thoughts and feelings inadequacy, but why broadcast them to the media? It only puts a massive target on his back.
Can I Scream?
i guess Edels wasn't motivated in the 4th Q of the AFC championship game
I may not be the most noble of men but in a town of lepers, im the one with the most fingers.
Giant LB'zz SUCK!! Mark Herzlich, Jacquian Williams,...Maybe .. Sadly this has been modified.
meh Boldin is a tough matchup for him. He made a great tackle on the sideline on him that forced a fumble out of bounds but kept the clock running. Turned out to be very important.
lol
meh Boldin is a tough matchup for him
what do u think Cruz will be!!
I may not be the most noble of men but in a town of lepers, im the one with the most fingers.
Giant LB'zz SUCK!! Mark Herzlich, Jacquian Williams,...Maybe .. Sadly this has been modified.
Troy O, how physical is Cruz
we know he has had a remarkable year, and has a lot of great qualities ie. hands, yac, etc, but do you see him as a physical or more just a seperation with moves etc. I think that’s where Edelman struggled a bit with a very strong, big, physical, savvy vet in Boldin. He still did get even with him though on that shot that knocked the ball out of bounds and screwed up the Ravens playcalling.
Cruz major thing is getting seperation with his moves
Nicks is our best WR, and the most physical
It's tough being a Knicks fan. Being a Giants and Yanks fan is great though.
by King Henry the 2nd on Jan 30, 2012 7:37 PM EST up reply actions
Think younger and a bit smaller Steve Smith
the real one.
Exceptional at fighting for the ball. and what king henry said.
I may not be the most noble of men but in a town of lepers, im the one with the most fingers.
Giant LB'zz SUCK!! Mark Herzlich, Jacquian Williams,...Maybe .. Sadly this has been modified.
smaller?
he has quite a few inches on steve smith.
mass
I may not be the most noble of men but in a town of lepers, im the one with the most fingers.
Giant LB'zz SUCK!! Mark Herzlich, Jacquian Williams,...Maybe .. Sadly this has been modified.
Nope.. even that doesn't hold up
No matter what Steve Smith you use, Cruz is bigger.
Steve Smith (Giants) – 5’11 195 lb.
Steve Smith (Panthers) – 5’9" 185 lb.
Victor Cruz (Giants) – 6’0" 204 lb.
If you leap to wingspan and area covered I’m going to slap you :P
You're right.
Because Manningham said those things, Edelman will magically transform into the second coming of Darrelle Revis.
Seriously, though, it’s the friggin Super Bowl, do you really think any player needs extra motivation. I’d prefer if Manningham was more neutral in his comments, but his words can’t motivate Edelman to suddenly play like he’s been a corner his whole life.
"I believe in Eli!" -Deion Sanders
"Eli done gangsta'd the NFL" -Deion Sanders
JPP for NFL Defensive Player of the Year
Sterling Moore plays on the outside as DMC shifts to safety
Tedy Bruschi- "How do we feel about being AFC Champs?"
Team- "Aww Yeah!!!"
I honestly believe Edelman will have a huge game.
Maybe I’m delusional, but he seems like the games biggest x factor, especially with gronk injured. If has a great game, like the 09 Balt game, it would be huge for the team
Oklahoma State will beat LSU in the National Title game by more than 7 points.
by No Pity on Jan 30, 2012 1:33 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Mario Manningham?
Isn’t that the guy with the Steamroller and the Christmas music?
The Year of Extreme Opinions
BLAAAAAAARGH OMFG SIGN STARTERS!!
I apologize if this post has offended you in any way. Please retroactively ignore it. Thank you for your consideration.
by nuthinboutnuthin on Jan 30, 2012 1:34 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
I've been thinking about this quite a lot
I’m thinking that its possible Bill might try to run man to man in some situations to throw off the Giants.
Molden is the biggest, strongest, and most athletic corner- 6’1", 200, 38 vert, 4.4 40- I think he’d be used to try and compete for 50/50 balls to Nicks.
Moore is probably our best cover corner, so use him on Cruz- in the slot or on the outside.
Use Arrington against Manningham.
Shade Chung over Nicks, and McCourty at safety over Cruz.
Bring in Edelman for dime packages/ playing a spy on Bradshaw.
the artist formerly known as amadeus
'I don't make my living by making my living. My time is so important that I can't compromise my taste- or my idea of what's right- simply to match someone else's view of what's a good, calculated move"- Robert Plant
contributing writer at www.HeadkickLegend.com and www.PatsPulpit.com
by Austin Martin on Jan 30, 2012 1:34 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Who's guarding our TE in that scenario?
Yes, I am a Giants fan. Now that we got that out of the way....
IMPEACH DOLAN!!!!
I bELIeve in ELI!!!! - Primetime -
The Big Boy Cometh....Team Jacobs
Marines say Oorah; BBVer's say SUAMBP! say it with me - Suuaahmbp!!!!
by wilddre22 on Jan 30, 2012 6:10 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
I'm sure Edelman will be in there and have his ups and downs
I see him on Cruz until the Giants can prove it’s a mistake.
What is confusing to me is last game didn’t Edelman play offense too? I was scratching my head knowing he was needed on defense.
All I can say is
better get a rush.
"Every time I call it a game, you call it a business. Every time I call it a business, you call it a game."
"The longer they play, the more they lose. In the end, we get it all."
by JohnHannahRules on Jan 30, 2012 2:11 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
Bingo!
Doesn’t matter who is in the secondary if Eli has time. Almost every NFL QB can look great with time in the pocket. Guys like Manning and Brady can buy even more time by sliding around in traffic – it’s the reason they are in the SB. The Patriots MUST get push with their front 4 – especially up the middle. Yes, we have seen Eli make nice plays on the move – but how many boneheaded plays has he made on the move? If we don’t have to bring blitzes too often to get pressure, we are in great shape.
but how many boneheaded plays has he made on the move?
none.
I may not be the most noble of men but in a town of lepers, im the one with the most fingers.
Giant LB'zz SUCK!! Mark Herzlich, Jacquian Williams,...Maybe .. Sadly this has been modified.
Leading the league in interceptions—twice
Doesn’t happen by chance. Eli is a great QB with a penchant for winning big games, but his perpensity for turning the ball over when under duress is undeniable.
Can I Scream?
I actually think he's been better against the blitz this season than prior seasons
Especially if you show it early. Actually he’s gotten alot of his bigger plays against blitzes.
Yes, I am a Giants fan. Now that we got that out of the way....
IMPEACH DOLAN!!!!
I bELIeve in ELI!!!! - Primetime -
The Big Boy Cometh....Team Jacobs
Marines say Oorah; BBVer's say SUAMBP! say it with me - Suuaahmbp!!!!
by wilddre22 on Jan 30, 2012 6:13 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
In the playoffs Eli has 8 TD's and 1 pick.
And the team as whole, going back 5 weeks turnovers:
NYG 1 NYJ 3
NYG 0 DAL 2
NYG 0 ATL 0
NYG 1 GB 4
NYG 0 SF 2
That is + 9 in 5 games. I can only hope we keep this up for one more game cause as we know, turnovers decide alot of these games.
The truth. The REAL voice of reason
Leading the league in interceptions—twice
did i sleep through a season??? he had 20 (which isn’t a shit load)one yr tied for most i guess.
At the end of the 07 season would when Eli started coming into his own.
TD- INT
2008. 21 -10
2009 27-14
2010 31-25
2011 29-16
not really the TO machine that u think. PS. Payton’s 2 highest int totals exceed that of Eli’s do we still judge him on his past?
I may not be the most noble of men but in a town of lepers, im the one with the most fingers.
Giant LB'zz SUCK!! Mark Herzlich, Jacquian Williams,...Maybe .. Sadly this has been modified.
"Peyton" is spelled with an e.
But by all means, Giants fans, tempt more fate. Clearly Eli is the better Manning. Clearly the Giants are a superior team.
The Year of Extreme Opinions
BLAAAAAAARGH OMFG SIGN STARTERS!!
I apologize if this post has offended you in any way. Please retroactively ignore it. Thank you for your consideration.
by nuthinboutnuthin on Jan 30, 2012 6:56 PM EST up reply actions
Just presenting you with the facts , do with them what you like.
If all u were able to extract from my comment is “Payton” Eli is better and that the Giants are superior… then this conversation was over before it began..
I may not be the most noble of men but in a town of lepers, im the one with the most fingers.
Giant LB'zz SUCK!! Mark Herzlich, Jacquian Williams,...Maybe .. Sadly this has been modified.
Magic Johnson was due to be dead from Aids by now... but.....
I may not be the most noble of men but in a town of lepers, im the one with the most fingers.
Giant LB'zz SUCK!! Mark Herzlich, Jacquian Williams,...Maybe .. Sadly this has been modified.
I hope Hoodie has
a better plan than Edelman on Cruz.
It's your thing, do what you wanna do, I can't tell you, who to sock it to. The Isley Brothers
by sweetjesusihatethejets on Jan 30, 2012 2:36 PM EST reply actions
Two things I don't want in the freaking Super Bowl
Edelman playing DB. Slater or Underwood catching/dropping passes.
If I have to sit through four quarters of Edelman getting roasted with a championship on the line I’m gonna vomit.
The guy doesn’t have it.
Belichick isn't putting him in there for his amusement
Edelman it a tough and intelligent player. Not so intelligent in night clubs though. But he’s quick and instinctive and seems to tackle well. The best player for the situation will be on the field sunday. If it’s Edelman, then it’s because he has the best shot to execute the gameplan.
I imagine Edelman will be man and there will be help underneath. Eli will have to put it over a LB or a roaming DB which should give Julian some time to close if he’s beaten.
I would imagine Arrington at DE wasn't for giggles either
Didn’t make it a good idea.
I believe that Belichick believes Edelman can play at DB.
Unfortunately I’ve seen the result of him trying.
Actually
Arrington worked out well on the first play. He got around the guy and pressured the QB.
Yeah Arrington is surpringly fine with rushing the QB at End. lol
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
Is Arrington you best corner?
I’m assuming so by the numbers but numbers never tell the whole story.
The truth. The REAL voice of reason
In order, our best corners are (imo)
McCourty, Moore, Arrington.
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
First play of what?
All my memories of him at DE are of him getting eaten up.
Im pretty sure
Arrington was our DE who put pressure on Manning that made him throw the game sealing pick to James Sander the last time the Pats played him
by indy pats fan on Jan 31, 2012 11:42 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Actually that was Jermaine Cunningham
but Arrington was playing DE that game, and got a few pressures.
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
No matter what can be said about Jules is that he was Very physical vs Bolden and brought the toughness to the
defensive side of the field similar to Wes does on offense. If it wasn’t for Boldin’s spectacular catch and throw by Flacco all in all he had a good game. It will be a tough game and I like have him on the field if he gives us our best shot at being physical with the Giants WRs.
by Yardpenalty.com on Jan 30, 2012 4:25 PM EST up reply actions
How well does Edelman tackle?
From what I gather, Edelman, when playing CB lines up in the slot usually. That is where Cruz plays most of the time (with Nicks and Ham on the outside). With both Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks, its not giving up the catch that’s the big problem, its the YAC. Cruz has made his impact this season breaking tackles from the initial defender, then beating the rest down the field… Both Cruz and Nicks are very physical corners.
Is Edelman a sure enough tackler to handle him after the catch?
You could ask Ladanian Tomlinson how well he can tackle.
He wraps up well, but the concern against Cruz is can he even cover him
GFY
by TFBismywingman on Jan 30, 2012 3:35 PM EST up reply actions
unfortunately I don't know LT
despite living in the NY area I have never met him. I’ll have to take your word for it.
He has very solid tackling form. believe it or not. lol
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
He had to sit out a game after being tackled by Edelman.
The more you know, the more you know that you don't know.
Some people can learn from the mistakes of others, while some people need to pee on the electric fence themselves.
Belichick is looking for a new name for his boat: VI Rings sounds pretty good.
by SlotMachinePlayer on Jan 30, 2012 5:35 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah but an over the hill LdT
Can’t be compared to a young, agile, Cruz.
Yes, I am a Giants fan. Now that we got that out of the way....
IMPEACH DOLAN!!!!
I bELIeve in ELI!!!! - Primetime -
The Big Boy Cometh....Team Jacobs
Marines say Oorah; BBVer's say SUAMBP! say it with me - Suuaahmbp!!!!
by wilddre22 on Jan 30, 2012 6:19 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
not until Edelman trucks him, anyway
by furiousd on Jan 30, 2012 7:39 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I saw Edelman make a great tackle on Vince Young to save a TD In the Eagles game.
I was impressed, but Cruz has been making tacklers look silly all season. He doesn’t have to make him miss every tackle, but if he whiffs on a couple, who knows how much that could change the game.
"I believe in Eli!" -Deion Sanders
"Eli done gangsta'd the NFL" -Deion Sanders
JPP for NFL Defensive Player of the Year
If anyone is going to whiff on a tackle
it’s going to be Sterling Moore or Kyle Arrington. Edelman is has surprisingly excellent tackling form. That said, a shifty WR can make anyone miss, regardless of their natural position. But my point is that I wouldn’t pick on Edelman’s tackling because of his position – he’s a better tackler than the bulk of the DBs in the entire league, let alone on the Patriots. His coverage skills are improving, but he does leave something to be desired.
That said, the Patriots won Super Bowls starting the likes of Randall Gay and Earthwind Moreland. You remember those guys, right?
How could I forget a name like Earthwind Moreland?
I remember those teams, but it seems to me like those Patriots teams had a better front 7 to cover up their corners’ weaknesses. Not to knock on Mayo and Wilfork now, but those teams had guys like Seymour and McGinest rushing the passer.
Also, the NFL was not as much of a passing league as it is now the last time the Pats won the SB. Edelman might make his tackles and make this a moot point, but you have to be worried about your secondary, especially Edelman, (except for McCourty) going up against Manningham, Nicks and Cruz.
"I believe in Eli!" -Deion Sanders
"Eli done gangsta'd the NFL" -Deion Sanders
JPP for NFL Defensive Player of the Year
I'm actually less worried about Edelman than I am
Nate Jones, Sterling Moore, Sergio Brown, et al. Edelman has good instincts and is a solid tackler. The other three are inconsistent and don’t always do their jobs.
About the front 7: it’s a lot better than people recognize, mostly because there are no big names other than Wilfork. Even with the loss of Andre Carter, who was playing out of his mind, guys like Mark Anderson, Kyle Love, Rob Ninkovich and even Shaun Ellis have really stepped it up. Dare I say it, the front seven is playing significantly better than any Patriots front seven since the first half of last decade. The great play of Mayo and Spikes doesn’t hurt, either.
Bottom line: both teams have their weaknesses. The game is going to come down to how well each team overcomes those weaknesses. The Giants O-line and secondary aren’t the greatest in the world, and if either of those units struggles, the Patriots will probably win. Likewise, if the Patriots secondary can’t cover or the D-line can’t get any push, they will probably lose. It’s all about who shows up for the full 60 minutes.
Edelman's a pretty savvy tackler
For an offensive guy, he does pretty well. He concentrates on the hips and doesn’t bite on re-directions. I rarely see him doing those ridiculous “diving” tackles where the tackler cuts the legs; he’s usually wrapping up pretty good.
Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.
I truly believe
that arrington looked great on cruz earlier in the year, I would not mind him shadowing him. he is a good speed size mix for cruz. i would like molden and DMcC helping out with nicks and leave moore on ham. but thats me. edelman has played well. last week was a tough matchup for him. but bb is all about matchups so we will see how he uses him. But bb is also a proud man who has his boys’ backs. and he may not be able to help himself but to put edelman on ham. which would work to pushing moore over to nicks.
I have faith in Edelman
It would be fun to see Edelman jump the route and intercept a ball right in front of Manningham.
Lesson #1: Never underestimate your opponent, not someone from a BB coached team
by PatsMania on Jan 30, 2012 3:48 PM EST reply actions 3 recs
Yeah you should know. We only going to score 17 points hahahah ok?
If you think Edelmen is a good coverage he should cover Cruz every down. Because if I am Eli i am looking for you on every down. You are going to have to double one of our wide outs. So i will ask this. Will you leave Edelman one on one with Cruz in the slot and double Nicks. Or will you double Cruz to help out Edelman.
I like the 5 DB sub package formations.
2 down lineman in Love and Wilfork going through the middle, with Anderson and/or Ninko rushing from the outside (and to contain the outside), which leaves Mayo and Spikes in the middle. Thats 7 guys in coverage overall, and if there is a run, or Eli somehow manages to scramble, then mayo or spikes can help out if need be. But our ends should try and contain him in the pocket.
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
Just when everyone thought Edelman was done
McDaniels suggests that the Patriots introduce the “Edelman Option” on offense. The pats run this with Edelman getting 1 rushing touchdown and a throwing touchdown. He also gets an interception and big special teams play en route to an eventual Super Bowl MVP.
by Always Sunny Next Year on Jan 30, 2012 5:29 PM EST reply actions
I’ve been thinking this all week
BJGE/Ridley as the dive back
Woodhead/Vereen as the pitch back
Will slow that f**ing pass rush down, that’s for sure :>
by quadruple option on Jan 31, 2012 2:28 AM EST up reply actions
If anyone's going to be throwing the ball this weekend
it better be TB12. No reason to take the ball out of that guy’s hands.
Manningham's comments are illogical to me
Only on the basis that WR is no more Edelman’s position than DB is. The guy made it in the NFL because he is fast and agile. Period. He hasn’t shown to be exceptional at any one thing but he doesn’t seem to be terrible at anything either. For someone that seems to be learning the position on the fly I would argue he has outplayed a number of DBs that are known as just that. Just because it isn’t “his position” doesn’t mean he should be brushed aside like he doesn’t belong. He will have his issues with bad matchups like any other guy but I have faith in him to play at 110% at all times.
by Oughat on Jan 30, 2012 6:27 PM EST reply actions 7 recs
This comment should be rec'd for being logical.
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
The guy is a "football player"
as they say. I realize I’m preaching to the choir but I’ve seen him return punts, cover kicks, etc.
While my common sense tells me that a QB turned WR turned QB is going to have ALOT of trouble covering an outstanding WR in Cruz, I can’t ignore this guys track record as a versatile, tough, successful football player
The truth. The REAL voice of reason
I'm a big Edelman fan.
It’s fun to see him play on all three phases of the game; he’s far and away the most likable player on the Pats, at least to me.
That being said, your analogy is kind of illogical. Edelman has had years to make the adjustment from QB to WR. He, at least to my knowledge, hasn’t had that same kind of time and reps, to make the adjustment from WR to CB. I’m not counting the guy out, and I think there is some truth to your argument, but even his best effort may not be enough to handle Victor Cruz.
"I believe in Eli!" -Deion Sanders
"Eli done gangsta'd the NFL" -Deion Sanders
JPP for NFL Defensive Player of the Year
One thing to note in all this
Everyone is worried about Cruz or Nicks or whoever getting covered. You all do realize that, like Troy Brown, Edelman is a receiver first. These are NOT the stone hands of your regular cornerback. These are the hands of someone who has to sub in for Welker. You throw just a tiny bit off and there’s a damn good chance that it’s a pick and run back for a TD.. because he’s also a helluva punt returner. Boldin was not a good matchup for him, too tough and physical but if you put him on someone shifty, you will pay a price eventually.
TL; DR Edelman doesn’t have CB hands.
I'm sure he has good hands, but that's kind of a moot point.
Because, with his lack of experience at CB, I really don’t foresee him putting himself into position to make interceptions, barring a horrible throw.
I really admire his selfless attitude, and the way he’s adapted to what BB has asked of him, but I really don’t think the Giants will be avoiding Edelman Island come Sunday.
"I believe in Eli!" -Deion Sanders
"Eli done gangsta'd the NFL" -Deion Sanders
JPP for NFL Defensive Player of the Year
Oh don't get me wrong
I’m not saying he’s some fantastic cover corner because he’s not. What he is is shifty, quick, a good tackler and has good hands. Good chance the dome turf will help him too (as well as your receivers). It’ll be an interesting matchup for sure but don’t be so dismissive of throwing at him. As long as Eli is on target and aims high, things will be fine. Just don’t throw short, underthrow or overthrow anything because it’s more dangerous than normal throwing at him. Basically, the Troy Brown rule of passing. That’s all I’m saying.
Edelman understands how to play the position.
As a former QB, he knows what QBs are looking for when the read a defense. As a WR, he knows what WRs are looking for when they line up against him. He’s got all the mental pieces in place to play effectively at corner, although he lacks the ideal physical attributes. Notwithstanding his imperfections, Edelman is a solid corner who won’t get beaten deep and won’t get fooled by a double-move, but he’s also probably not going to make too many spectacular plays on the ball.
So much is made of a WR playing CB, but in reality, even based on the relatively small sample size we’ve seen so far, Edelman is not a half bad CB, and could very well be in the top-half of the league at slot corner. Is he a Super Bowl caliber player? No. But does any team have 22 Super Bowl caliber players starting? No. I’ll take him.
I agree with you on practically everything you've said here.
But, the issue I see is that “adequate” may not be good enough against the Giants big 3 WRs.
"I believe in Eli!" -Deion Sanders
"Eli done gangsta'd the NFL" -Deion Sanders
JPP for NFL Defensive Player of the Year
Belichick is pretty good at protecting the weak links.
That’s one of the reasons McCourty is playing at safety, now. With Chung and McCourty at safety, the corners do not need to be as solid, or they can take more chances, knowing they have solid help over the top. Belichick isn’t going to leave Edelman out there on an island with any of those guys. The only way Edelman or Sterling Moore ends up one-on-one with Nicks or Cruz is if someone else makes a mistake in coverage, which will probably happen at least a few times.
When you play Belichick’s defense, you really have to look at it as 11-on-11, because he does everything he can to cover up the weaknesses that would otherwise be exposed within individual matchups.
Understood, but no matter the scheme, at least one of the NYG receivers will be one-on-one with a Pats CB.
So it still comes down to our guys vs your guys, and our guys have the better track record, by far, this year, when it comes to our WRs vs your CBs. And if he overcompensates to protect guys like Edelman, that opens up the run game and everything else.
Also, I didn’t watch the entire Pats vs Ravens game, and I don’t think BB would be stupid enough to let it happen again, but wasn’t Edelman kind of on an island (with safety help over the top) against Boldin at the end?
"I believe in Eli!" -Deion Sanders
"Eli done gangsta'd the NFL" -Deion Sanders
JPP for NFL Defensive Player of the Year
There's going to be a mismatch on every play of this game.
The Patriots can’t double Nicks, Cruz and Manningham while defending against the run. The Giants can’t cover Welker, Branch, Hernandez and Gronkowski while defending against the run. Neither Brady nor Manning will have all day to find the mismatch and make a throw with pinpoint accuracy. These are both two very good, evenly matched teams that each have their chinks in the proverbial armor.
No reasonable person would argue that the Patriots’ DBs are better than the Giants’ WRs, but that’s not the only matchup in this game. The Giants O-line has to stop 700 pounds of man mountain in Vince Wilfork and Kyle Love, while also accounting for Ninkovich, Spikes and Mayo. The Giants D-line has to get through a Patriots O-line that held an incredibly talented Ravens’ defense largely in check all last week. There is a lot more to this game than the Giants WRs vs. the Pats DBs, and while that is certainly an important matchup, there are several others that one team will have to win to eventually call itself the champion.
Does Edelman have the speed to cover Cruz?
It is what it is
he clocked a faster 40
however game speed is a different story. and the answer may be waiting for us on sunday. i really do not see the point of putting edelman on someone that good however, regardless of how well edelman has played. especially when arrington kept cruz in check earlier. its gonna be a helluva game. cant wait!!!!
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