Julian Edelman rewarded for punt return touchdown, puts Broncos in rear view mirror

Erik Frentz, Boston:

Patriots running back Brandon Bolden and tight end Tim Wright could not block the punt after Broncos punter Britton Colquitt fumbled the snap, but Julian Edelman made up for it on the other end with a spectacular 84-yard touchdown return.

That is why Edelman has been named the Week 9 AFC special teams player of the week. The Patriots have never seen a punt returner as good as Edelman, who now holds the team record with four career punt return touchdowns.

"That's a whole unit play," Edelman said. "I feel like it wouldn't have been possible without crucial blocks and good scheming, so that's a unit award."

There were so many things that had to happen for Patriots' punt returner Julian Edelman to make it all the way from his own 16 yard line yard to the Denver end zone.

1. Denver P Britton Colquitt had to fumble the snap, pick it up and not have it blocked by onrushing Patriots.
2. The punt had to go 54 yards, which scattered the Denver coverage.
3. The clean catch.
4. No flag called on TE Tim Wright for a block in the back on the right sideline at the 30 yard line.
5. Enough energy to cut back to the left after reaching midfield, and outrun the punter, Britton Colquitt.

Julian Edelman keeps moving the all-time list with a punt return average of 12.6. He trails only George McAfee of the 1950 Chicago Bears and Jack Christiansen of the 1958 Detroit Lions who are at 12.8. Former Chicago Bears KR Devin Hester, currently of the Atlanta Falcons, has returned 14 punt returns for touchdowns. Devin's career average is at 12.3. That is some pretty good company for Julian to be associated with.

There is also the part where the starting quarterback has to sprint the 50 yards to meet up with you. Lee Schechter, ESPN:

An example of Brady being “one of the guys” came when he ran from the bench down the sideline to celebrate Edelman’s 84-yard punt return for a touchdown against the Broncos.

“He’s one of the guys regardless,” Edelman said. “But it’s awesome that he comes and celebrates with his teammates. That’s what leaders do and he is our leader.”

It looks like Tom is happier than Julian. He can share in the award, too.

Paul Murphy is a freelance writer from New Hampshire.

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