The New England Patriots are going against one of the league’s toughest defenses with one of the most inconsistent offenses as of late.
Cam Newton’s team will host the San Francisco 49ers in Week 7, with hopes of breaking even with a 3-3 record. The Patriots struggled mightily on the offensive side of the ball against the Denver Broncos in an 18-12 loss last week, but the lack of practice and a depleted offensive line played a huge role.
Regardless, Newton spoke about the excuses and how the Patriots are running thin on them. New England is ranked No. 25 in points per game and No. 26 in passing yards per game. Julian Edelman, who’s recorded seven catches for 66 yards over the past three games, is a playing a role in the Patriots’ stagnant offense.
He joined WEEI’s ‘The Greg Hill Show’ on Friday and discussed ways to get back on track.
“I mean obviously we have to catch the ball better,” Edelman said, transcribed by WEEI. “I think just focusing on the little details of each play and getting back to fundamental football. It’s been a weird year and your mind wonders here and there. You’re practicing, you’re not practicing, all these things, these factors — the best teams are the teams that are going to be able to focus on all those little route details, play details, scheme details and trying to play that to the best of your ability. When you start playing those little games, that’s when you play your best football, or at least I play my best football.”
When asked about Jimmy Garoppolo, who’s returning to Foxborough for the first time since being traded, Edelman gave his utmost respect.
“Jimmy, he can play football,” Edelman said. “He’s got that little gun-slinger mentality. He’s got that quick release. He’s handsome. He’s got it all. I don’t play against Jimmy G, I’ll play against the defense, I’ll be playing against the 49ers defense. But, it will be weird and kind of cool to see him in my hometown uniform that I grew up watching coming to Foxborough to play us this weekend.”
The Patriots need a win to avoid being 2-4, and maybe playing against a former quarterback of the team will be advantageous toward that cause.
