Julian Edelman even had to convince himself his diving, bobbling, shoestring catch — the one that helped set up the Patriots’ fourth-quarter, game-tying touchdown and propel them to an improbable comeback in Super Bowl LI — didn’t touch the ground.
On the audio track of a video released Tuesday, the Patriots wide receiver can be heard arguing with Falcons cornerback Brian Poole during a timeout while referees review the play.
“I caught it,” he tells an incredulous Poole, though not sounding too sure of it himself. “Crazy. I swear to…”
“No way, no way,” Poole responds, pointing up at the stadium monitor.
“Watch! No,” Edelman counters.
Edelman tried making his case even before the stoppage in play, yelling “I caught it!” repeatedly as he fights off three Falcons defenders on the ground, holding onto the ball he somehow corralled for dear life.
The Patriots veteran, one of Tom Brady’s favorite targets, admitted one day later his on-field disbelief was genuine, calling the catch “70 percent luck, 30 percent skill” on “The Tonight Show” with Jimmy Fallon. Next time, he suggested, he wants fortune to play no part in his heroics.
“After it all happened, I was kind of disappointed in my route, I’m not going to lie,” Edelman said Monday night. “I should have stuck it a little harder.”
