Welker Remix

With WR Wes Welker expected to be out for the playoffs, all the attention went to his replacement known as “Mini Wes” to some (I prefer Fat Welker), Julian Edelman.

Sunday Edelman had a Welker-like day as he caught 10 passes for 103 yards, including a 25-yard catch and run that would make Wes proud of Edelman.

Usually teams try to not to change the approach when a player goes down. Under that line of thinking, Edelman gets promoted to starter opposite to WR Randy Moss. Julian will execute Welker’s plays for the afternoon.

I understand the desire to keep the continuity as best as possible, but I hope the offense goes the unpredictable route that QB Tom Brady suggested. The first step would be to start WR Sam Aiken.

No big deal? Yeah, maybe. But this wrinkle could help the passing game along.

One thing we know is Baltimore plays physical. Moss can be effectively be bumped at the line, disrupting his route. Aiken is 6-2 215 pounds, so he should be plenty strong enough to fight through a corner in his grill. Edelman, an even 6-0 and 198, might not have the strength to break away quickly.

Every team tries like hell to keep Moss from getting open downfield and the Ravens will be no different. Anytime Moss goes downfield 15 yards or more, he’ll likely get Secret Service treatment and have at least two defenders surrounding him. That could mean Aiken with single coverage, and he’s shown the speed to get downfield for a big play. Edelman is quick, but his deep speed isn’t proven. Aiken also has the advantage in jump ball situations.

The Pats will play a lot of three receiver sets on the afternoon, meaning Edelman will play in the slot often. But that shouldn’t be standard. Aiken and Moss should get opportunities inside in hopes of creating mismatches against a lesser cornerback.

Even on run plays, Aiken can be physical at the point of attack and be a better blocker than Edelman on outside runs or downfield.

The plays won’t change, but switching around who runs the plays could create an edge the Patriots can take advantage of offensively.