Jerry Rice praises Julian Edelman for his 'f--- you' attitude
Receiver Julian Edelman had seven catches in the New England Patriots' win over the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, passing Reggie Wayne to claim the No. 2 spot on the all-time playoff receptions list.
Edelman's 105 postseason catches only trail Jerry Rice, and the NFL legend believes the Patriots wideout is something special to watch in New England's offense.
"He's got that attitude," Rice told The Athletic's Jeff Howe. "That 'f--- you' attitude: 'I'm going to do what I want to do, and I'm going to go out and I'm going to ball. I'm going to make catches. I'm going to score touchdowns. I'm going to do whatever I have to do to help my team win.'
"You can only have an appreciation for that."
In his two playoff games this postseason, Edelman's brought in 16 catches for 247 yards. Tom Brady used him as his safety blanket against the Chiefs, targeting him four times on crucial third downs. Edelman converted all four, including 20-yard and 15-yard receptions in overtime on the game-winning drive.
Rice, who boasts 151 career playoff receptions, knows Edelman's on his tail.
"He's coming after me," Rice said. "If that should happen, I would be the first one to congratulate him because of what he does on the football field. I think he's making his own mark. He's made a name for himself."
Although the Patriots receiver, who's played in 17 career playoff games, may need another couple more runs before he catches up with Rice, he can move up from fourth in career postseason receiving yards (1,271) by passing Cliff Branch (1,289) and Michael Irvin (1,315) during Super Bowl LIII.
"They talk about the New England Patriots don't have a go-to guy," Rice said. "Edelman is that guy, and he is going to find a way to get open and make the catch and keep the chains moving. He is just killing people. If the Rams cannot shut him and Brady down, they're going to lose."
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