Mike Edwards’ Speed And Distance Revealed
December 1st, 2021
Joe wrote about how Bucco Bruce Arians thought safety Mike Edwards was clocked running his fastest (by way of NextGen Stats) when he likely saved the game on Sunday by chasing down Colts kick returner Isiah Rodgers at the Bucs-32.
Edwards was able to make an arm tackle to shove Rodgers out of bounds with 10 seconds left.
That was likely the fastest Edwards had run in his life, Arians said, and he wasn’t far off.
Scott Smith of Buccaneers.com got the data from NextGen Stats about Edwards. Let’s just say Edwards was moving.
Rodgers reaches a top speed on his return of 21.27 miles per hour right as he’s crossing the midfield stripe. At this point, Edwards is at the Bucs’ 45 and angling towards the sideline, and he has accelerated to 20.07 miles per hour. That was the first time all season that Edwards had reached a max speed of at least 20 miles per hour. He will top out on this play at 20.23 mph.
From where Edwards started on the kickoff team and the ground he covered and made up to tackle Rodgers, NextGen Stats, per Smith, had Edwards running 100.8 yards on the play.
And remember, Edwards did this with seconds left in the game. He had played a full game when he raced 100 yards at top speed to save the Bucs.
Just to give you an idea how fast that is, Usain Bolt, in his world record 100-meter dash, ran at 29.5 mph.
Enjoy the latest Ira Kaufman Podcast
December 1st, 2021 at 4:00 am
He HAS to be on the field … Him being on the bench is criminal, at minimal he should be the starting nickel since the safety spots are locked up. He’s a walking turnover.
GoBucs!
December 1st, 2021 at 5:05 am
Edwards was great for us on Sunday. He brings it every week.
December 1st, 2021 at 5:56 am
‘Mike Edwards runs like a lion. And he pounced on his deadly prey Sunday to save his pride.’
Just couldn’t help yourself, huh Joe. I’m envisioning a late-at-night Big Storm beer chugging contest accompanied by a lot of giggling as you wrote that one. Surely I’m wrong though.
December 1st, 2021 at 6:23 am
I’m thankful that it wasn’t the kicker that had to make that play!
December 1st, 2021 at 7:03 am
A lion can run for short distances at 50 mph and leap as far as 36 feet.
From your source Joe:
Lion 80.5 km/h (50.0 mph) Land
that Lion at 20 mph must of had only 3 legs you found , lol.
December 1st, 2021 at 7:09 am
Joe,
The heart of a lion might also been a fitting segue. Anyway ,I am happy that
he was able to overcome the injuries early on. That might also be a good story.
December 1st, 2021 at 7:23 am
tbh I really thought Rodgers was going for a TD
December 1st, 2021 at 7:35 am
Mike Edwards is a solid player…….a very good draft pick….always makes plays.
December 1st, 2021 at 7:37 am
@bucschamp
So did he!
so sad too bad
December 1st, 2021 at 7:48 am
can’t believe I walked out just before this play thinking the game was over
December 1st, 2021 at 7:57 am
Play never happens if we just pooch kick it there, game ends on their 30 yard line. As for Edwards I had been calling for him to play more weeks ago. The Pats have been using three safety’s for awhile now, and have one of the best pass defenses in the league. With all the injuries to our corners getting your best players on the field matters more than their label. Glad some coaches woke up, and put the ballhawk in the game.
December 1st, 2021 at 8:24 am
NFL players are incredibly fast, but division 1 college and pro track athletes are on another level.
December 1st, 2021 at 8:34 am
I agree. He needs to be on the field more- 3 safeties if need be
That middle of the field behind the linebackers seems to be our black hole
December 1st, 2021 at 8:37 am
I think the adrenalin kicked in for Edwards on that play. I also thought the Colts would have a sure TD once Rodgers got past mid field.
December 1st, 2021 at 8:58 am
Two of the best backups in the league. Mike Edwards & Kevin Minter. Would be starters for a lot of teams. Also agree Mike should be starting every game. Seems to make a special play every time he’s in a game.
December 1st, 2021 at 9:21 am
Ehh – it gives me an idea of just how fast Usain Bolt is more than anything. 10 MPH faster (rounding up a little) is an order of magnitude faster. 10 MPH faster than another elite athlete. Stand still and have your dog run by you – and thats what it would look like. Against a guy that ran a 4.50 40.
December 1st, 2021 at 9:31 am
gofortheface30 … I agree; Bolt was incredible. But he probably would’ve been a tad slower running in a football uniform, wearing football cleats, on artificial turf.
December 1st, 2021 at 10:25 am
That dude showed a ton of Winning Want To on that play.
Mega props.
December 1st, 2021 at 12:06 pm
It was a great play and moving forward shows how much effort everyone on defense, and offense, should be giving all the time
December 2nd, 2021 at 10:10 am
Pinion had been bombing his kickoff’s all day long! One of them even doinked through the uprights. I’m sure he thought he’d just boot it out of the end zone again, which would be as good as, or better than, a squib. Unfortunately, that last one didn’t make it out and the Colts were ready for a return. I think that’s partly why their return was so successful. The kickoff team for the Bucs wasn’t accustomed to having to defend. The Colts almost popped one. Thanks goodness for Edwards’ play! His effort made all the difference!