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Is Julian Edelman The Best Receiver In Playoff History?

The AFC Championship Game was a wild performance for Julian Edelman. Somehow avoiding touching the ball on Dustin Colquitt's 4th quarter punt, then negating that break two plays later with a devastating drop. Things looked bleak on the interception return as Edelman took a big hit from Anthony Hitchens while falling to the ground.

Then the clutch gene kicked in. During the Patriots' final two drives, we saw the Edelman we've previously seen in Super Bowls. His willingness to go over the middle, get just enough separation, and hang onto Brady's bullets are one of the main reasons New England will be heading to Atlanta.

3 catches, 55 receiving yards for Edelman over those drives. When everyone knew that No. 12 was looking for No. 11.

Chiefs defensive coordinator Bob Sutton's inability to defend those routes certainly helped, and we can't ignore the handful of mistakes that Edelman made earlier in the game. But his reliability begs an interesting question: Is he the best receiver in PLAYOFF history?

Social media tends to get out of hand during sporting events, and Edelman was a hot topic. There was some buzz around whether he is deserving of a Hall of Fame spot — a debate that begins and ends with the mention of Edelman's 499 career receptions (148th all-time), 5,390 receiving yards (248th), 30 receiving touchdowns and zero Pro Bowl nods.

But as we've established, Playoff Jules is a different receiver.

Edelman now has 105 career playoff receptions, 2nd all-time behind Jerry Rice. His 1,271 receiving yards leaps him into 4th all-time, passing Hines Ward, Andre Reed and Reggie Wayne. Although his 5 receiving touchdowns places him in a massive tie for 43rd all-time, there's a big cluster; a good game puts him into the top 20 easily.

The problem is that the leader in all three categories is the same legend: Jerry Rice. His longevity is impressive; while Super Bowl LIII will be Edelman's 18th career postseason game, it's still well short of Rice's 29.

That is incredible company, especially since both players elevate their already great performances in the Super Bowl. So while Edelman will likely always be No. 2 behind Rice (and there's no shame in that), the REAL question is, will Playoff Edelman be able to help the Patriots hoist their 6th Lombardi Trophy?

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