Julian Edelman believes this young Patriots team isn’t there yet

Following this week’s loss to the Payments, former New England receiver Julian Edelman believes the Patriots nonetheless have work to do earlier than contending for a Tremendous Bowl.

Edelman gained three Tremendous Bowls in New England, together with Tremendous Bowl MVP in 2019 towards the Rams. Since retiring, he has created his personal podcast, “Games with Names,” in addition to making quite a few TV appearances.

Attributable to this success, Edelman has seen what it takes to construct a Tremendous Bowl profitable staff. On Wednesday, he went on Colin Cowherd’s “The Herd” to debate this yr’s Patriots, and the place they should enhance.

“I view it that they’re not there but, nonetheless a younger staff,” Edelman mentioned. “One thing that we used to listen to on a regular basis, ‘can’t win until you retain from shedding’, and the second half was an instance of that.”

The Patriots have been up 24-3 at one level towards the Payments, earlier than letting Josh Allen rattle off 5 straight touchdowns to finally win 35-31.

It’s this space of the Patriots staff that Edelman believes wants to enhance upon going into the postseason.

“They’ve acquired this protection the place you form of anticipate they’re attempting to be a ‘bend however don’t break’ staff,” Edelman continued. “However you’ll be able to solely try this in the event you’re good within the pink space, they usually’re 75% on giving up touchdowns within the pink space, which is final.”

The pink zone has been one of many greatest issues for the Patriots this season, on each side of the ball. Edelman is true that they rank lifeless final when it comes to pink zone protection, however are additionally twenty fourth within the league in pink zone offense, scoring touchdowns solely 52% of the time.

Edelman hopes this loss can function a reset for New England, and assist them lock in going into the final couple weeks.

“Younger staff, and I feel this could be a good factor for them,” Edelman concluded with. “It’s good to perhaps recalibrate your mind and your week of labor going into these final 3-4 weeks, as a result of now that is the time the place you need to play your finest soccer.”

The Patriots journey to Baltimore on Sunday for a major AFC matchup, as each groups look to win their respective divisions.