Julian Edelman is the New England Patriots' clear No. 1 wide receiver. He ranks third in the NFL in receptions and has at least seven catches in five consecutive games.
Which begs the question: If Edelman such an essential part of the Patriots' offense, why don't opposing defenses load up to stop him?
The answer: That's easier said than done.
Ahead of Sunday's Eagles-Patriots matchup in Philadelphia, Eagles cornerback Avonte Maddox explained why teams have a hard time containing Edelman even when they're keyed in on him.
"He's very quick. Physical. Great hands," Maddox said Friday, via NFL Network's Mike Giardi. "They (Edelman and quarterback Tom Brady) got a connection between them two that is very unique.
"His route running ... it's hard to know whether he's going in or out."
Maddox's scouting report checks out. Hall of Famer Jerry Rice recently claimed Edelman has the best footwork of any wide receiver in the NFL, citing his ability to get separation with quick explosive cuts.
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Edelman likely will be Maddox's problem Sunday, as the 23-year-old has been playing slot cornerback for Philly with Jalen Mills and Ronald Darby playing on the outside.
Maddox knows staying with Edelman will be a tall task, but he has a plan of attack for Sunday.
"You've just got to be aggressive," Maddox said, via Tom Moore of the Bucks County Courier Times. "You've got to get in the receiver's face. You can't give him too much room (for Brady) to pick you apart."
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