New England Should Start Edelman If Garoppolo, Brissett Unavailable

New England Patriots' wide receiver Julian Edelman
Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

As we've moved past the midway point of Tom Brady's four-game suspension, the New England Patriots may be faced with a difficult decision. Brady's backups, Jimmy Garoppolo and Jacoby Brissett have both been stricken with injuries just three games into the season and with their status' uncertain for Week 4, the organization will have to consider their options moving forward.

The normal response to this kind of situation would be to go out and sign a quarterback to be a stopgap for one week until Brady returns from his suspension. Potential free agent options include T.J. Yates, Michael Vick and Josh Freeman just to name a few. It helps that the Patriots have nine days off between games, though it'll still be difficult for a new face to come in and learn the offense such a short period of time. The Minnesota Vikings, faced with a preseason season-ending injury to Teddy Bridgewater, traded for Sam Bradford but started Shaun Hill in the opener until the newcomer had a firm grasp of the offense. It would be similarly difficult for a one-week signing to be effective in New England.

Most teams wouldn't have any other option, though with a former quarterback on their roster, New England may not have to go that route.
Julian Edelman, who's one of Brady's favorite targets, is a converted quarterback and played the position during his time at Kent State.


[Edelman Kent State Highlights Part 1]

New England is 3-0, which means they'll be in first place in the AFC East when Brady returns regardless of what they do against the Buffalo Bills. I'm not saying the game holds no importance, but with them sitting in a strong position against an inferior opponent, I'd be more inclined to take my chances with a familiar guy who's already knowledgeable in the offense rather than bringing in an outsider. The lone downside is that Edelman will have one less weapon to throw to. But with his dual threat abilities and quite possibly the greatest coach we've ever seen, they'll find a way to move the ball down the field.


All that said, New England hasn't ruled out Garoppolo or Brissett for next weekend. Garoppolo is recovering from a sprained AC joint in his shoulder while Brissett suffered a torn thumb ligament. Getting one of them back would be the best case scenario. From a fan's perspective, though, I would love to see Edelman behind center. I think it might draw the curiosity of fans that might not otherwise be watching that particular game. If the regular quarterbacks can't go, my vote (if I had one) would be for Julian Edelman.