New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton did something Tom Brady refused to do in the later part of his career — show public confidence with his wide receiver room.
Julian Edelman, N’Keal Harry and Damiere Byrd are the three primary receivers in that group and it logically doesn’t make sense for a pocket quarterback like Brady to thrive with this group. But, Newton’s ability to run and create offense in other ways has opened up opportunities for them.
These opportunities led to 70-plus yards through the air for these three receivers in Week 2 against the Seattle Seahawks — Edelman totaled a career-high 179 yards. Harry was one of the biggest stories though, accumulating eight catches for 72 yards. He made timely plays and his final catch on the one-yard line was made for guys who can handle huge moments.
Edelman joined WEEI’s ‘The Greg Hill Show’ on Friday and discussed the growth Harry has shown over the past year.
“With any young guy, it’s just becoming a professional,” Edelman said. “I’ve been super proud of N’Keal and how he’s continually progressed in that facet of professional sports. It’s [night] and day from last year of he is. It’s not too big. He has a year under his belt. He’s confident in certain abilities.
“That’s when things start to go well, is when you start getting comfortable, and then your athletic ability can take its place, when the game slows down because you’re mentally into it. It’s awesome he’s doing what he’s been doing. We’re going to need him to keep doing that.”
Harry was the first wide receiver drafted by Bill Belichick in the first round, leading to sky-high expiations. He spent a majority of 2019 injured and only had 12 catches for 105 yards and two touchdowns. Through two games this season, he has 13 receptions for 111 yards.
The Patriots are extremely slim at receiver, but Harry and Edelman’s big-time performances can keep this team afloat.
