FOXBORO — For most NFL players, training camp is all about making plays on the field to prove yourself deserving of a roster spot.
Not being on the field typically goes against a player's cause, but in Julian Edelman's case it has worked the opposite.
Edelman is currently on NFI due to a thumb injury and hasn't participated in a single Patriots session. With that being said, after seeing six training camp practices, it's becoming abundantly clear besides Tom Brady, Edelman is the most important player to the Patriots offense.
The theme of the sessions thus far has been the defense getting the best of the offense. In addition, Brady's overall performance in 11-on-11 work hasn't been what it usually is.
Overall, the Patriots defense is basically the same as it was last year and there weren't these kind of problems last year at this time?
What's the issue?
No, it's not Rob Gronkowski retiring, it's Edelman not participating and Brady not having his favorite target on the field.
Just like in a game during a key situation when Brady would go to Edelman, it's also in training camp where as if there were a string of incompletions Brady would usually always go to Edelman to get things back on track.
Brady doesn't have anyone to do that with this year.
The receivers Brady has been working with the most have been Phillip Dorsett, Maurice Harris, Braxton Berrios and rookie N'Keal Harry. Most days have been like Wednesday when Brady has thrown a good amount of incompletions and he's walked off the field feeling like it could have gone a lot better.
"We've got a very good defense this year," he said. "Those guys are challenging us on every day. It's hard to complete passes on our secondary. That's just the reality. So, it's actually great work for our offense to see how we measure up against a very good defense. Days like today are frustrating for us and we've got to learn from the corrections and try to come out and have a better day tomorrow."
Perhaps the biggest disappointment has been Harry.
The first-round pick has dropped a number of passes, including four alone on Wednesday. The Arizona State product seems to be processing a ton in his brain and it is now impacting his physical performance. He's lined up in the wrong spots on multiple occasions too, as it just looks like he's still learning what it takes to be a receiver on the Patriots.
Normally, rookies can be eased into things, but not with Harry this year. The Patriots need him to be a legitimate No. 2 or 3 receiver because there just really isn't anyone else on the roster capable of that production.
With the first preseason game a week away, it seems like Edelman, Harry, Dorsett, Harris and perhaps an undrafted rookie have the inside track on being the receivers on the initial 53-man roster.
Harry's struggles have been well-documented. Dorsett is a NFL caliber receiver, but he wasn't able to make the jump many hoped just year. Harris has had a very good camp, but everyone knows how hard it can be for new receivers to connect with Brady. And then, how can anything be counted on from an undrafted rookie?
Imagine the Patriots playing a game without Edelman and Brady having that as his receiving core. If the practices thus far have been any indication, it would not go well at all.
In the past, Brady has been able to continue to have success no matter who he has out there with him, but without Edelman it's different — he's that depended on.
It's not even up for debate anymore, besides Brady, Edelman is the most important player the Patriots have.
Want proof?
Just pull up the tape of the last six or so practices, it will be easy to see why.
