"The New England Patriots have learned to expect the unexpected from coach Bill Belichick, so receiver Julian Edelman wasn't taken aback at midseason when Belichick told him simply, "You're in defensive meetings today."

Just like that, Edelman became, if not a triple threat, at least a triple contributor. He plays a little receiver, some nickel cornerback and a lot on special teams.

"You are not going to say no to an opportunity," Edelman said, "so I went with it."

It's not an easy thing to do in today's game, which has been made complicated by throngs of coaches spending many hours scheming in small rooms. Spread formations with multiple receivers are in vogue.

"You're at the elite of the elite right now," Patriots receiver Deion Branch said. "And you're asking a receiver to go out and guard (receivers). For this guy to accept the challenge, you have to truly appreciate that."