It sounds like Rodney Harrison is happy he’s not tasked with slowing down Julian Edelman.
Harrison, who now works as an NFL analyst for NBC Sports, joined WEEI’s “Ordway, Merloni and Fauria” on Tuesday to discuss the New England Patriots’ ongoing playoff march. The former Pats safety heaped praise on Edelman, suggesting New England’s entire offense, including quarterback Tom Brady, is on a different level with the wide receiver healthy and on the field.
“That’s the thing about (Edelman). I would say he’s the best slot receiver in the league,” Harrison said. “I’ve said outside of Brady, he’s their best player. I just really believe that. It almost seemed like Tom looked different. Tom looked so much more poised and confident. Even the offensive line looked better.
“When you have a guy like Edelman and you know he is going to get open within a two or 2.5-second period, that gives you confidence.”
Edelman caught 10 passes for 100 yards in Sunday’s 27-20 win over the Kansas City Chiefs at Gillette Stadium. It was his first game since undergoing foot surgery in mid-November, and although there was a little bit of rust to shake off, Edelman still made a major impact, as he typically does.
“(As an offensive lineman) you say, ‘Hey, I don’t have to block (Chiefs linebacker) Justin Houston. I don’t have to make sure I block him for four seconds because we have a guy capable of getting open,’ ” Harrison said. “I just think (Edelman) makes a world of difference. I thought he was going to be the Super Bowl MVP last year, too.”
The Patriots definitely will need another strong performance from Edelman in Sunday’s AFC Championship Game against the Denver Broncos, as Wade Phillips’ defense can bring the heat.
Thumbnail photo via Greg M. Cooper/USA TODAY Sports Images
