Shots Heard 'Round The Web - Patriots Links 6/01/09
Pats Pulpit — TOP SHOTS Paul Perillo and Andy Hart debate if Tom Brady's return will be record-setting. But the question here isn’t about good vs. bad – it’s good vs. great. We need to remember that before his record-setting romp through the record books with Randy Moss and Wes Welker in 2007, Brady had never thrown more than 28 touchdown passes in a season. His only true QB contemporary – Peyton Manning – has hit for 31 or more touchdowns just three times in ...

Tuesday Patriots OTA Observations
Pats Pulpit — ... and Wes Welker. Overall I thought he looked a lot sharper than last week’s workout. He once again wore sweat pants for the practice, in all likelihood covering a knee brace on his surgically repaired left knee. ...

Rodney Harrison says, "I'm Done"
Pats Pulpit — ... and Wes Welker.  Who knows.  What I DO know is that he left it all on the field; that can't be denied.  I also know that many teams are breathing a sigh of relief because Harrison will no longer be stalking them.  Anyone left is a distant second. ...

Crowning the Patriots: Relax, the season hasn't even started
Pats Pulpit — ... and Wes Welker, could be talking so openly about reclaiming their stranglehold on the division without giving proper credit to the upstart Dolphins. ...

Can Scott Pioli Fix The Chiefs Receiving Issues?
Arrowhead Pride — ... roster and signed Wes Welker to that restricted free agent deal when the Fins were high on Ted Ginn's possibilities. One team made the perennial disappointment of ...

Shots Heard 'Round The Web - Patriots Links 6/10/09
Pats Pulpit — ... TOP SHOTS Andy Hart offers his observations and insight from yesterday's OTA at Gillette. Here’s a scary thought for opposing defensive back – Randy Moss, Wes Welker and Joey Galloway all lined up together in a trips formation on one side of the field. Two deep threats and the game’s best underneath target with Tom Brady analyzing the matchup and picking apart the defense! The defenders will have to be on-point in there communication or they could get embarrassed ...

Patriots changes by position: Wide Receiver
Pats Pulpit — ... When a team structures their aerial assault around a receiver or receivers, you KNOW they're stars.  Such is the case with Wes Welker and ...

Around the AFC East, Week 4: Pats Pulpit
Gang Green Nation — ... Two years ago, the Pats took a relatively unheralded receiver named Wes Welker and turned him into a household name. Do you think the system and Tom Brady could do something similar for ...

Small receivers, the next big thing?
Turf Show Times — ... and Fitzgerald to the more diminutive types like Wes Welker and Steve Smith. You've got four guys above that 6'1" 210 lbs threshold (Andre and ...

The Brandon Marshall Debate - Some food for thought
The Mile High Report — ... Jay Cutler or Matt Cassel Brandon Marshall, Eddie Royal, Brandon Stokley or Randy Moss, Wes Welker and Jabar Gaffney Peyton Hillis and the Broncos' run game or Sammy Morris and New England's? Daniel Graham/Tony Scheffler or Ben Watson? Broncos O-Line or Pats O-Line? ...

Top 5 New England Patriots Offseason moves
Pats Pulpit — ... Yes, he's 38 and yes, he's most likely lost a few steps, but shouldn't we trust Hoodie?  I know he's proven to me, time and time again, that he's smarter than I am.  I'm big on Joey Galloway, but not for the possible numbers he'll put up; I think that's in the past for this receiver.  Joey's role will be to stretch the field.  Put Randy Moss, Wes Welker, and Joey Galloway on the field and defenses will go into convulsions. ...

Around the AFC East, Week 5: New England Patriots
Buffalo Rumblings — ... : I think a great deal of Moss' statements was exuberance (he later toned down the rhetoric because he probably had his hand slapped by Bill Belichick).  I think he's happy as a clam to have Tom Brady back at the helm.  I never thought Cassel developed a connection with Moss, so having Tom throwing footballs to him is making him say stupid things.  Wes Welker was a part of those statements as well.  What DOES make a lot of sense is that both Moss and Welker were essentially noobs to the Patriots offense in 2007.  In fact, Welker is ...

Anthony Gonzalez and Wide Reciever Stats, Part 2
Stampede Blue — ... +10.6% Josh Reed 08 79 +10.3% Bobby Engram 07 134 +10.3% Wes Welker 07 145 +10.3% Reggie ...

How Effective were the Chiefs 2008 Receivers?
Arrowhead Pride — ... An elite slot receiver, like Wes Welker, caught about 75% of the balls thrown to him.  By the way, in 2007 Engram would have been considered an elite slot receiver by my standards - he caught nearly 71% of the balls thrown his way.  Even in an injury plagued 2008 he caught 58% of them, which would have put him slightly behind the great Tony Gonzalez on the 2008 version of the Chiefs. ...

Around The AFC East: Ranking the running back stables
The Phinsider — ... and Wes Welker, it's much easier to run the ball.  And New Englans' offensive line is very good - which makes it even easier for the running backs. ...

Patriots Links 6/26/09 - Patriots Sweep All-Decade Team, Coach, MVP
Pats Pulpit — ... here as usual and worth the read. Michael Hurley questions why the best quarterback in the league, Tom Brady, isn't paid like one. David Heck says Peppers to the Patriots is an unlikely, though not impossible, dream. LONG SHOTS Tim Graham (ESPN) Belichick still working on his legacy. Adrian Hasenmayer (Fox Sports) ranks the NFL's top ten clutch players.  Wes Welker 6th (an "unstoppable waterbug on speed"), Peyton 3rd, Vinatieri 2nd, ...

Ten Patriots for 2009: No. 10, K Stephen Gostkowski
Pats Pulpit — ... and Wes Welker, Gostkowski quietly racked one heck of a season.  Gostkowski is the single season record holder for PATs (Points After Touchdowns) with a perfect 74 points attempted and made. ...

WR Stats, 2006-2001 data added and YOA
Stampede Blue — ... 136 +19.8 Andre Johnson 08 170 +18.4 Reggie Wayne 07 156 +17.7 Wes Welker 07 145 +17.6 Torry Holt 03 ...

WR stats, best 8 year totals
Stampede Blue — ... 462 69.3% 6.1 32.7 Donald Driver 891 60,6% 9.3 32.2 Wes Welker 395 73.4% 4.6 31.0 Eric ...

Patriots 2009: What would Norm and Cliff say?
Pats Pulpit — ... on Comm Ave.  She...ohhh.  Gotcha. Norm: Besides, we're all set with Brandon Meriweather and James Sanders.  Tank Williams will be good in nickel and dime packages.  And that new guy, Patrick Chung, looks good, too. Cliff: It's a good thing we got those guys aftah we lost Rodney Harrison.  I mean, he was the haht and soul of that there defense. Norm: Don't forget Randy Moss and Wes Welker have two years in the system.  And we just picked up ...

Camp Battle 2009: Wide Receivers
Big Cat Country — ... , for the rest of the spots on the Jaguars roster. Thomas' best shot at getting the #3 wide receiver role would be becoming the Jaguars' Wes Welker. If he can get open in the slot and be reliable, then he'll be ahead of the game. If not, expect him to challenge Witherspoon for kick returning duties. ...

Camp Battle 2009: Wide Receivers
Big Cat Country — ... , for the rest of the spots on the Jaguars roster. Thomas' best shot at getting the #3 wide receiver role would be becoming the Jaguars' Wes Welker. If he can get open in the slot and be reliable, then he'll be ahead of the game. If not, expect him to challenge Witherspoon for kick returning duties. ...

2009 Colts Training Camp: Nickel corner
Stampede Blue — ... likely to see more playing time in dime situations, the nickel corner is crucial to the Colts having as many  quality "coverage guys" as possible. Bullitt is a fine player and a very under-rated safety, but he cannot run with premiere WRs, or even the Wes Welker types of this league. That's where the nickel back must shine. ...

ESPN's Fantasy Football Preview Belongs in the Humor Section
Stampede Blue — ... "Ask us to define "sure-handed", and we'll show you a picture of Gonzalez.  In 2008, he caught an astounding 72.2% of the passes thrown his way, third behind Wes Welker and ...

Playoffs?!? You Want To Talk About Playoffs?!? - Part One: AFC
Hogs Haven — ... and Wes Welker are basically unstoppable and their stable of running backs might be the envy of the league (seriously, read this list: ...

Tom Brady for 2009 - should I be worried?
Pats Pulpit — ... all very orchestrated.  Or maybe he actually DOES look that good, who knows.  But running around in T-shirts and sweat pants is different than DL's bearing down on you at full speed and WITH contact.  Sure, they most likely won't go after Wonderboy (isn't that what the red shirt is for?), but they will certainly be around him.  Why am I worried?  It has nothing to do with his abilities as a field general nor his skill at launching a perfect spiral to Moss or Wes Welker.  No, I'm more concerned with the mental aspect of that ...

Patriots WR Wes Welker on Matt Cassel, Scott Pioli
Arrowhead Pride — Soren Petro talked with New England Patriots WR Wes Welker for a few minutes recently, mostly about Kansas City Chiefs QB Matt Cassel. Here's some of what Welker had to say to Soren Petro: Everyone is very thrilled that we took your quarterback from you, well traded for him. Have you talked to him since the contract reports? We stay in contact on a regular basis. He's definitely excited and ready to get to work. He's a tough competitor, hard worker, the whole bit. KC got a great player ...

New England Patriots: Questions for 2009, Part I
Pats Pulpit — ... of the field is typically the responsibility of the inside linebackers, Tedy Bruschi and Jerod Mayo in this case.  Sometimes the strong safety (Rodney Harrison or Brandon Meriweather in 2008) is used to support the ILB's.  Could the use of Tank Williams in a hybrid safety/linebacker role help with this problem? Will our new wide receivers take the heat off?  Let's face it - the receiving tandem of Randy Moss and Wes Welker is tops for the Patriots, if not the league.  I ...

An Average Joe's Playbook: The Spread Offense
Big Cat Country — ... Receivers don't have to be dominant to find success in the spread. Size and deep speed isn't always as important as quickness and route running. A good skill set is needed though, especially when the defense knows the offense is going to pass. Often teams will have different receivers with different specialties, just like the running backs. Take the New England Patriots for example. Randy Moss is their deep threat and red zone specialist. Wes Welker is their second receiver. Despite being short and not having great speed, Welker is able to make plays on ...

Ten Patriots for 2009: No. 3, WR Joey Galloway
Pats Pulpit — ... The 2007 season brought us the highest scoring offense in NFL history. This was due in large part to our revamped wide receiver corps, headlined by the acquisitions of Randy Moss and Wes Welker. Donte Stallworth was essentially a one-year rental and was gone after that season, and after 2008, we lost Jabar Gaffney when he departed to the Denver Broncos with former offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. To fill the void left by their departures, we traded a 2009 fifth rounder to the Philadelphia Eagles for Greg ...

Around The AFC East: Ranking the wide receiver corps
The Phinsider — ... But the Pats are more than just Moss - unfortunately.  We all know just how good Wes Welker is at what he does.  And that's the key.  I don't think Welker would have ever put up the numbers he has in New England if he had remained in Miami.  But in NE's system, he's an ideal fit and is very good at working out of the slot, going across the middle, making critical catches, and picking up yards after the catch.  He's the ideal compliment to a receiver like Moss. ...

Around the AFC East: Ranking the division's wide receivers
Buffalo Rumblings — ... is the best receiver in football.  Wes Welker is an outstanding complement.  Those two don't need a third receiver to be effective, but ...

Around the AFC East: Ranking the division's wide receivers
Buffalo Rumblings — ... is the best receiver in football.  Wes Welker is an outstanding complement.  Those two don't need a third receiver to be effective, but ...

Around the AFC East, Week 9: Wide Receiver Rankings
Gang Green Nation — ... is the greatest receiver of this generation. He has been the most dangerous weapon on the two teams with the most points in a single season in NFL history. There is no way to defend him. He's the one receiver in the league with top end speed, height, leaping ability, and hands. The shifty Wes Welker is an ideal slot receiver and has thrived working underneath since the Pats acquired him in 2007. He led the league in receptions in 2008. Their number three receiver, ...

Is Mark Clayton a #1 Wide Receiver?
Baltimore Beatdown — ... is he ready to move up into the top slot? The stats for #2 wideouts in the NFL varies from team to team, with a couple of teams having two guys who could easily be interchanged from the #1 to #2 spots on their team. Those teams focus their offenses on the passing game and therefore the stats pile up for the top two targets. The teams and players in that category include the Arizona Cardinals (Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin), New England Patriots (Wes Welker, Randy Moss), Denver Broncos (Brandon Marshall, ...

New England Patriots Training Camp: 5 things to watch for
Pats Pulpit — ... and Wes Welker are arguably the best wide receiver tandem in football today.  Watching the 2008 season, many said Moss checked out on occasion.  Hogwash.  That's because ...

The guy who wasn't good enough for the NFL. Our Slot Machine.
Pats Pulpit — [MaPatsFan Intro: As you all know, I am a RIDICULOUS Wes Welker fanatic.  I have a massive man crush on the little guy and want to adopt him.  That and his many millions, but I digress.  SlotMachinePlayer and I share the same obsession.  SMP did a most excellent job of throwing together some cool factoids about "The Diminutive One", so here you are.]   Cool Wes Welker facts from his Patriots Bio: (Wide Receiver #83) Since joining the Patriots prior to the 2007 season, ...

Ten Patriots for 2009: No. 1, QB Tom Brady
Pats Pulpit — ... At any rate, Tom Terrific is back.  SlotMachinePlayer has told me to stop worrying about his knee, so I will.  Let's lineup Randy Moss and Wes Welker on one side with ...

Brady and Moss ready to chat it up between sessions
Pats Pulpit — ... wanted to say. Q: How do you feel about Tom coming back? Are you freakin' kidding me?  When I saw Tommy in the locker room, I squealed like a schoolgirl.  I like Matty and all, but if he turned inside one more time, I was gonna get all medieval on his gluteus maximus.  DOWNFIELD!!  DOWNFIELD!!  Keep me away from linebackers!  I'm a scrawny, toothpick.  Ryan Clark would've broke me in two with that hit on Wes Welker. If you're so inclined, feel free to leave ...

Cassel When He Came to the Chiefs: 'Give me # 16'
Arrowhead Pride — ... offensively a little bit, people were pointing at Matt Cassel, saying he can't do it. He's not the guy for the job. Then on being a system guy: "But then I started playing better and grew into the role, and the naysayers immediately said it was because I'm a system guy. When I think back about what happened last year, and what I was able to accomplish, I'd say yeah, I was pretty fired up about that.'' Pioli on Cassel: "People say, 'Oh he had Wes Welker and Randy Moss.  Yes he did. He absolutely did. And ...

New England Patriots Training Camp, Day 4 - MaPatsFan makes the trek
Pats Pulpit — ... Wes Welker - Wes is a freak of nature.  He catches just about everything thrown his way.  As long as he can put a hand on it, he's pulling it down.  After the catch is where the real magic starts to happen.  On one play, he was juking and jiving.  He made a small hop in the air as if to decide where to go, and hits the ground going 90 degrees left.  The defensive back was a bit stunned, to say the least. ...

New England Patriots Tight Ends - the position grouping to watch?
Pats Pulpit — ... Y'all know by now Wes Welker is my favorite Patriot.  I know, it's a little obsessive and bordering on a restraining order.  I haven't snuck into the locker room and stolen an #83 jerseys, but it could happen.  At least I'm not alone; SlotMachinePlayer has confessed an undying devotion to the "Little One" as well.  Moving on... ...

The Edelman Experiment
Pats Pulpit — ... Not surprisingly, Edelman has spent camp time trailing alongside successful jack-of-all-trades Wes Welker and staying close during practice to get his advice and learn by his example.  For Edelman's part, his extra work and determination has paid off with noticeable improvement already - more catches and less drops.  ...

New England Patriots Links 8/07/09 - QBs Having A Ball At Camp
Pats Pulpit — ... TRAINING CAMP OBSERVATIONS Wes Welker being pursued by Pat Chung at Thursday night's practice inside Gillette Stadium. Christopher Price presents his notes from Thursday morning's camp, noting this is the second practice in a row where Brady hasn't worn his knee brace. Paul Perillo recaps Thursday morning camp, catches up with under-the-radar acquisition S Brandon McGowan and much more news and bits from the day. Ian Rapoport has his thoughts from ...

New England Patriots Preseason Predictions
Pats Pulpit — ... , we were in dire need of a return man.  When I was at camp, Wes Welker was doing a phenomenal job pulling down kicks while ...

Philadelphia Eagles 2009 Opponents’ Preview- New England Patriots
Bleeding Green Nation — ... keep things very plain and simple in his limited time in this game. If you are going to have to play the Patriot’s this season, this is probably the best game to do it, unless you plan on meeting again in the Super Bowl. Without Brady last season, a relatively unknown QB Matt Cassell stepped in and led this team to an 11-5 record just barely missing the playoffs. They still have a tremendous amount of talent on offense. Along with Randy Moss and Wes Welker, they added veteran WR’s Joey Galloway and ...

Horse Tracks 8/11/09 - Ryan Harris to miss Friday's game
The Mile High Report — ... to have a big season. Schatz attributes Royal's low YPR (10.8) to the fact that almost half of his receptions were made within 5 yards of the LOS. Meanwhile, Wes Welker was the only WR with more than 100 targets to have a higher catch rate. Schatz is concerned that Andre' Goodman is inconsistent, pointing to a poor 2007 campaign. Of course, those were the 1-15 ...

Shallow Thoughts & Nearsighted Observations
The Mile High Report — ... -style role, and Eddie Royal to exactly play a Wes Welker-style role in the McDaniels offense.  Picture Marshall being used more like the Cowboys used Michael Irvin, and Royal being used like the ...

New England Patriots PreSeason Watch - Receivers
Pats Pulpit — ... WR 6-1 188 5/30/1983 2 83 Wes Welker WR 5-9 185 5/1/1981 6 16 Shun ...

A Different Way of Viewing Chiefs Receivers
Arrowhead Pride — ... and Wes Welker sort of partnership here in Arrowhead? But some recent reading and consideration I've done concerning the WR position had led me to believe that there are more important aspects going on. ...

New England Patriots Links 8/19/09 - Training Camp Wrap; Rex Ryan's Big Mouth
Pats Pulpit — ... WR Wes Welker was back on the field after missing several consecutive practices and the first preseason game last Thursday. Punter ...

New England Patriots Links 8/20/09 - Patriots vs. Bengals Tonight
Pats Pulpit — ... debut in the preseason opener (zero catches on two balls thrown in his direction), the veteran wide receiver was targeted an awful lot this week in camp, getting plenty of reps with the No. 1 offense and appearing to have several balls thrown in his direction. Look for him to have an increased role Thursday night. We say that for several reasons, not the least of which was the sequence  described here, where he worked in an individual setting with Brady, Wes Welker and Randy Moss for an extended stretch, trying to get a handle ...

Game Preview: Washington Redskins vs New England Patriots - Preseason
Hogs Haven — ... Not expected to play: Rock Cartwright, Carlos Rogers, Shawn SpringsQuestionable: Mike Williams, Richard Seymour, Wes Welker, Kevin Faulk, Sammy Morris What I am watching for: ...

Postgame Thread: New England Patriots defeat Washington Redskins, 27-24
Pats Pulpit — ... Matthew Slater and Patrick Chung started off choppy on special teams, but found their rhythm.  Tom Brady has a sore shoulder have getting hugged by Albert Haynesworth.  Brady to Randy Moss looked good.  No Kevin Faulk or Wes Welker.  Still some stupidity that needs to be fixed.  Discuss.

Postgame Analysis: New England Patriots defeat Washington Redskins, 27-24
Pats Pulpit — ... As we've discussed before, Hoodie uses preseason games like they're supposed to be used - to try stuff out and give players, especially the ones who need them, valuable NFL reps.  I thought it was interesting that, amongst others, Wes Welker, ...

New England Patriots PreSeason Watch - Special Teams
Pats Pulpit — ... These guys were neck and neck all through training camp.  It was a gentleman's battle for consistency, and both were consistent.  We kept the younger (and cheaper) of the two.  If Rob Ninkovich (LB) makes it on the roster, he's the backup here now that Russ Hochstein is suiting up for Denver. The Returner(s): Matthew Slater, Wes Welker, Kevin Faulk, Terrence Wheatley, Laurence Maroney, Darius Butler, ...

Lito Says He's Ready to Step Up
Gang Green Nation — ... This needs to improve. A quarter of the schedule is comprised of divisional games where he'll be matched up against Wes Welker and ...

5 Questions with NE Patriots Draft
Big Blue View — ... On offense, take a look at WR/KR Julian Edelman -- the 7th round former QB has been channeling Wes Welker in the preseason, and should make the team as a special teams player and 5th WR. Defensively, ...

49ers-Chargers: Q&A with John from Bolts from the Blue
Niners Nation — ... is somebody to keep and eye out for.  He is an undrafted free agent that the BFTB readers have fallen in love with.  He appears to be the second coming of Wes Welker, but probably won't make the team. ...

New England Patriots vs. New York Giants
Pats Pulpit — ... is against the team that ended hopes of a perfect 19-0 season.  I'll try not to dredge up too many bad memories (swiss cheese O line) or negative thoughts (McD failing to adjust).  Suffice to say I think this will be a snoozer of a game.  If we even see Tom Brady or Eli Manning set foot on the gridiron, I'd be shocked.  Andrew Walter will get a workout as will Brian Hoyer, but pretty boy will hang on the sidelines.  Maybe some Wes Welker?  It would be nice, but Greg Lewis and Joey ...

New England Patriots 53 man roster - some thoughts
Pats Pulpit — ... break it down position by position (props to NESilver for his comment in this thread) Offense: 25   QB: Tom Brady, Brian Hoyer (2) - Odd we keep only 2, but that could change when the season starts. RB: Laurence Maroney, Fred Taylor, Sammy Morris, Kevin Faulk, BenJarvus Green-Ellis (5) - Solid group. WR: Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Joey Galloway, Greg Lewis, Saim Aiken, Julian Edelman ...

New Orleans Saints Odds and Odds
Canal Street Chronicles — ... Wes Welker (NE)                                   50/1 ...

Ravens Gearing Up for the Chiefs, Matt Cassel and the Unknown
Arrowhead Pride — ... taking the Chiefs lightly, Harbaugh responded, "No, not for one second."   "We’ve got a lot of respect for the Kansas City Chiefs. All you’ve got to do is turn on the tape and watch their players play, and you know what kind of coaches they have. We know what we’re up against. It’s going to be a huge challenge." We do know they won't take Cassel lightly.  Despite the new faces surrounding him, and without Randy Moss and Wes Welker around him, Cassel is a focal point. "What he did last ...

Patriots Week: Talking Tom Brady with Pats Pulpit
Buffalo Rumblings — ... and Wes Welker, getting back in sync with those two specifically.  As fans, we always talk about the ESP that some QB/WR combos have, but it's usually the result of a lot of hard work.  Case in point: during off-season practices, both Brady and Moss worked on "signals" they use to make subtle adjustments to Moss's routes.  We saw an example of it in the third pre-season game against Washington.  Moss's route was designed to go outside, but both Moss and Brady noticed that area of the field was clogged with defenders.  A slight ...

Opponent History: Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots
Buffalo Rumblings — ... for his second career touchdown catch in what most would call "garbage time." The Bills' offense managed only 168 total yards of offense, and Trent was picked off twice. The Patriots, meanwhile, went for 370 yards, most of that by two guys: Wes Welker (10 catches, 107 yards) and BenJarvus Green-Ellis (26 carries for 105 yard and one TD). Positive note: the Bills held Randy Moss to -2 yards rushing on the day; he did make 5 catches for 53 yards, but we kept him in check on the ground. For the second straight game in Foxboro, Chris Kelsay failed to record a ...

Patriots Week: Talking running backs with Pats Pulpit
Buffalo Rumblings — ... and Wes Welker.  That much is clear.  But if the Bills can't shut down these sneaky backs to get off the field on third down, it's going to be a long night in Foxboro. ...

Bills Fantasy Friday: Week 1 Start 'Em/Sit 'Em
Buffalo Rumblings — ... Wes Welker - Will he play? Is his injury signficant? Is he injured at all? There are a lot of question marks and a lack of knowledge about Welker right now.  He was ...

Patriots Week: Talking Brady and pals with Pats Pulpit
Buffalo Rumblings — ... strategies that Pats coach Bill Belichick might employ to attack Buffalo's inexperienced offense.  Today, we'll get his thoughts on the reverse of that argument - what might we see the Pats' offense do to try to attack the Bills' still-developing defense? MaPatsFan's thoughts are after the jump. Offensively, the Patriots will be looking to see how their aerial assault is coming along, and if Tom Brady still has that 2007 connection with Wes Welker and Randy Moss.  Old timer Joey Galloway is a ...

Keys to Victory: Bills vs Patriots
Buffalo Rumblings — ... : Randy Moss and Tom Brady is a combination that destroyed the Bills in 2007 to the tune of a pair of 100-yard receiving days and 6 touchdowns.  Last year, the Bills did a pretty good job of shutting Moss down.  We need a repeat of the latter, and badly.  If Wes Welker doesn't play, it will be imperative to really key on Moss.  I'd have much more confidence in a Bills victory if Brady is trying to beat us by throwing to ...

Post Game Analysis: New England Patriots defeat Buffalo Bills, 25-24
Pats Pulpit — ... Receiving Game - Brady was 39/53, 378 yards, and two touchdowns.  Wes Welker quietly collected 12 for 93 and ...

A look at the enemy: New England Patriots @ New York Jets
Pats Pulpit — ... get his receivers to the tune of no TD's.  Heck, Houston never made it to the red zone!! Belichick has already said New York will bring the house.  The difference is Matt Schaub vs. Tom Brady.  With the emergence of Benjamin Watson as a viable threat, Brady has a lot of weapons at his disposal.  I wouldn't be surprised to see Brady eat fertilizer at least twice, but Rex and Co. better not forget about checkdown threats Kevin Faulk and Wes Welker.  Ryan's blitzes may take away the long ball, but you can ...

The Other View of New Chiefs WR Lance Long
Arrowhead Pride — ... As far as Long's future, I'd say it's still very much up in the air. He's obviously a small shifty receiver who will draw comparisons to Wes Welker or Wayne Chrebet but he's not really fast and you've got to wonder why he was never able to put up any numbers at the college level. ...

Greetings from Pats Pulpit
Gang Green Nation — ... It'll be interesting to see how Brady responds to this.  My suspicion is he'll work to limit blitzing, possibly by dumping the ball to slant and checkdown guys like WR Wes Welker and RB ...

Running the numbers on Hank Baskett
Stampede Blue — ... Baskett's sophomore season saw a shrunken role and vastly different usage. In 16 games (no starts) Baskett saw just 22 targets, catching 16 of them (a 73% catch rate) for 142 yards and a TD. He averaged just 8.9 yards per catch with 25 yards being his longest reception and the average catch coming at just 6.6 yards. Baskett is no Wes Welker and suffered as a result of being limited to dinks and dunks posting a negative DVOA and only a handful of DYAR. ...

A Look Back: The Last Time Rex Ryan Faced the Patriots
Gang Green Nation — ... On a Monday night in December 2007, the 11-0 Patriots got all they could handle from a 4-7 Baltimore team whose defensive coordinator went by the name Rex Ryan. Click here to see the numbers from that game. Three things things jump out at me: The blitzing scheme affected Tom Brady, who completed under 50% of his passes. Randy Moss and Wes Welker were mostly shut down. Baltimore's defense registered three sacks. Now this isn't a perfect comparison. The 2009 Patriots aren't ...

AL East Lead and All Time Record On The Line
Gang Green Nation — ... gameday, we at Gang Green Nation want to hear from all you Jets fans out there, and all you Patriots fans that happen to passing by this website. Which personal match-up are you most looking forward to today? It doesn't have to be the most significant, but which one will catch your eye. Randy Moss v Darrelle Revis is obviously the one most talked about. How about some of the other less talked about match-ups: Kris Jenkins v Dan Koppen, Wes Welker vs Lito Sheppard, Marshall Faulk v Leon ...

Wes Welker innactive for Jets Game
Gang Green Nation — Just hearing that Wes Welker Patriots wide receiver, has been named among the innactive players for today's game. Been confirmed on several sources including CBS Sports. Randy Moss will really have to step up along with Joey Galloway now.

Patriots @ Jets Game Thread: a divisional shootout
Pats Pulpit — ... It's the outspoken Ryan against the calculating Belichick.  It's the 3 ring veteran QB against the upstart rookie.  Two huge inactives, one on each side of the ball: Wes Welker and ...

Quick game recap: Jets defeat Patriots, 16-9
Pats Pulpit — ... was totally different.  The Jets put massive pressure on Tom Brady and he simply didn't look comfortable. Speaking of Tom Brady, I have to put this one on him.  Sure, there was plenty of pressure, but even when he had time, he wasn't hitting his receivers.  Granted, NY did a good job of covering, but there were a number of drops at bad times.  Another killer?  Penalties, way too many of them. Lastly, and I hate to say it, but missed Wes Welker.  Julian Edelman did a fine job, but he's not like ...

Game Recap: Jets defeat Patriots, 16-9
Pats Pulpit — ... 3 (2 back-to-back) delay game penalties. Special Teams - Jets' Leon Washington had four kickoff returns for an average of 31 yards and a long of 43 while our average, split between Maroney and Julian Edelman, hovered at 20 yards.  Stephen Gostkowski, usually able to boot it into the endzone for a touchback repeatedly, had only two for four. Were there any bright spots in this game? Julian Edelman stepped in nicely for the ailing Wes Welker to the tune of 8 for 98 and a long of 29. DE's Ty ...

Jets 16 Patriots 9: A Major Statement
Gang Green Nation — ... I don't want to hear the Pats missed Wes Welker. His replacement, Julian Edelman, was New England's best player with 8 catches for 98 yards. He played the same shifty slot role as Welker. ...

'Kudos & Wet Willies:' Kicking the Cowboys edition
Big Blue View — ... Steve Smith: What can you say about this guy? You might argue that Wes Welker is just as good, but there is not a better slot receiver in the game. Smith also had 10 catches, totaling 134 yards. Short, long, third down, around the end zone, he did it all. The move Smith made to get open on his 22-yard touchdown reception was as good as you will ever see. ...

New England Patriots Links 9/22/09 - Belichick, Brady Take Offense at Offense
Pats Pulpit — ... Price offers a transcript of Bill Belichick on The Big Show (with audio link). WEEI offers the transcript of Tom Brady on the Dennis & Callahan show Monday morning (with audio link.) Chad Finn captures snippets from Bill Belichick's Q & A with WEEI Monday afternoon. Eric Wilbur knows Brady was off because he didn't have his security blanket Sunday and hopes that 'Life Without Wes Welker' isn’t a pervading theme to the 2009 season. Monique ...

What is the Impact of a Welker-less New England Patriots?
Pats Pulpit — ... In some cases, rare cases, a single player makes so many positive plays that he is hard to ignore, that he might approach the level of game changer.  The little engine that can, Wes Welker, is one of those players.  Sidelined for the Jets matchup with a "knee injury", Wes was sorely missed.  Why?  Welker is Brady's safety valve, his check down receiver, and one of his favorite screen guys. ...

Thoughts on the New York Jets from Pats Pulpit
Music City Miracles — ... - Wes Welker was out which meant almost no screen passes, something that helps mitigate strong pass rushing and blitzing teams ...

A Very Falcoholic Discussion: Planning For The Patriots
Sports Page Atlanta — ... The Falcons should catch a break, because if perennial catch machine Wes Welker plays at all, it will likely be sparingly. He's coming off an injury. The bad news is that the Falcons have to stop the ...

The NFL is a Game in the Shallows
Arrowhead Pride — ... be inside or outside but it's always between the 2nd and 3rd level of the defense. Not only do blitzing defenses force plays into the shallows, but entire offensive game plans are built around the shallows. It's called a 'play action' pass. Play action passes start out by showing run, and then as the LB's suck up to the line a RB or TE or Slot crosses the middle or drops to the flat in the shallows. The more the LB's crash the line the bigger the shallows become.   Wes Welker makes his bones in the shallows. So did Bobby Engram, ...

Five Questions For Three Patriots Blogger
Sports Page Atlanta — ... and Wes Welker considering the 2007 streak, but there's still a year's worth of stuff to make up. ...

Saturday Pre-Game Notes: Tackling The New England Patriots
Sports Page Atlanta — ... and Wes Welker? Welker's been not practicing for most of the week and looked unlikely since Monday, but Moss is ...

Fantasy Football Focus on the Cowboys: Who to Start? Who to Sit?
Blogging The Boys — ... 's fantasy webpage is chock full of informational updates to help you set up your team from week-to-week. It saved me from starting Wes Welker last week. Glad I check it. ...

Week Three: Early Games- Open Thread
Stampede Blue — ... out of that bar at 2AM, take a moment to read SpazMo's rather humorous FanPost on Tim Jennings. When you're done reading that, post some thoughts here on some of the early games. Some early game thoughts: The Titans absolutely must beat the Jets today or Tennessee's season is over. You don't start 0-3 in the AFC and make the playoffs. The game is in the Meadowlands. The Patriots' injury list is a mile long, and they could be without Wes Welker and Randy Moss. They play the Falcons in ...

Keys to Winning: Falcons @ Patriots
Pats Pulpit — ... strengths while not putting the team in a position where their weaknesses could lose the game.  Right now, the passing game is not there, especially against a blitzing and pass rushing team.  Well, based on the last game anyway.  Now that the proverbial cat is out of the bag (blitz and rush Brady), NE needs weapons to make opponents nervous about sending the house or pulling a rusher out of coverage.  The typical weapon is screen passes and the usual suspects are Wes Welker and ...

Atlanta Falcons @ New England Patriots Open Thread
Sports Page Atlanta — ... during the game! Who? Atlanta Falcons and New England Patriots, 1 P.M. EST Where? Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts Weather? Good chance of heavy rain. Really good chance of passing being affected. Injuries? Jerious Norwood is extremely unlikely to play. The Patriots' injury report is a minefield because you never know if they're bluffing, but Jerod Mayo and Wes Welker are unlikely to play, Randy Moss is unknown and a host of ...

New England Patriots Links 9/29/09 - Ankle Sprain for Vince Wilfork Was All Wright; Not Serious
Pats Pulpit — ... Ravens defense vs. Wes Welker.  Pats didn't have an answer in 2007, but look for Welker to get the ball early and often this Sunday.  (42 second video) ...

Game Prep: Baltimore Ravens @ New England Patriots
Pats Pulpit — ... From a strategic standpoint, Baltimore's pass defense is questionable according to the stats, so the course of action could be to air the ball consistently; if Wes Welker's back, it's a fairly obvious thing to do.  However, a wrinkle in the plan is our ...

[Fantasy] Cadillac's Injury???
Buc 'Em — ... trade will be good after this weekend, but if Williams looks stellar he'll want more than Hines Ward.   Anyhow, I'm in a Dynasty league where we start 1TE, 2RB, 2WR, and 1 RB/WR flex, here are my current players:    RB:   Marion Barber, Ricky Williams, Justin Forsett, Michael Bush, Jerome Harrison WR:  Greg Jennings, Hines Ward, Kenny Britt, Steve Smith (Panthers), Wes Welker, DeSean Jackson TE:   Vernon ...

A tale of the tape: Baltimore Ravens @ New England Patriots
Pats Pulpit — ... .  2 serious errors in the end zone against Atlanta helped account for our abysmal 1/5 in the red zone this past Sunday.  We also didn't have Wes Welker, the little engine that can.  Did I mention he's my favorite Patriot?  All for you, JHR, all for you. ;-) ...

Ravens Prepare for Patriot Games
Stet Sports Blog — ... .  2 serious errors in the end zone against Atlanta helped account for our abysmal 1/5 in the red zone this past Sunday.  We also didn’t have Wes Welker, the little engine that can.  Did I mention he’s my favorite Patriot?  All for you, JHR, all for you. ...

How To Beat The New England Patriots
Baltimore Beatdown — ... out of the end zone and do not let TE Ben Watson get behind our safeties and we should be fine. Wes Welker should play but he is not the TD threat that the other two are. Welker can move the chains though, and is the speed threat across the middle and has great hands. Most likely, I see the Ravens fastest DB, ...

Mile High Mirror Image: Cowboys vs. Broncos Preview
Blogging The Boys — ... out-copy the other?  Look below the fold for my game profile. When Denver Has the Ball McDaniels ran the closest thing to a college spread offense while coordinating New England's scheme.  His base package used a big number one flanker, Randy Moss, outside of tight end Ben Watson on one side.  Opposite Moss, he placed a speedy split end, played in series by Jabar Gaffney, Donte Stallworth and Joey Galloway.  Wes Welker lined up in the slot. The scheme is based on creating ...

Your OFFICIAL Arrowhead Pride PARADEBULATION: The Eli Story
Arrowhead Pride — ... is worth picking up as a sleeper spot.  Also, unrelated to the PARADE's selections, we have Wes Welker, wtf Bellichick?  You'd play your mother with a broken hip.  This kinder gentler Bill Bellinazi is lame. ...

Ravens @ Patriots: Prediction & 'Open Thread'
Baltimore Beatdown — ... from making the big play and not letting TE Ben Watson exploit their matchups in the secondary will limit the long scores. If Wes Welker is on the field, he will create problems for our DBs in the open field with his slashing and crossing patterns. Look for our LB's to make him pay early for his transgressions across the middle. Pressure on Tom Brady is a must but if we constantly blitz him, he'll find a way to make us pay. We will need to find a way to make him hurry his throws while only rushing four guys on most plays and blitz when he leasts expect s ...

Open Game Thread: Ravens @ Patriots
Pats Pulpit — Joey Galloway inactive (surprise), Wes Welker is in (woooooo hoooooo), Nick Kaczur...IN!  We'll need it 'cause Baltimore is rolling into town with their #1 rushing D.  Laurence Maroney has already said he'll need some Tylenol, so he expects to pound it.  Fred Taylor had a great 21 carry, 105 yard performance against Atlanta, but let's see how he does today. I expect Tom Brady to screen A LOT to throw them off balance, then hit Randy Moss ...

Post Game Recap: New England Patriots defeat Baltimore Ravens, 27-21
Pats Pulpit — ... Passing - Not one receiver, tight end, or running back cracked 100 yards in the air, but Brady did a masterful job of spreading the ball around where he needed to.  Wes Welker had some nice catches in critical circumstances and Ben Watson continues to be clutch.  One of the biggest surprises was how effective running backs were as receivers.  In particular, ...

Shallow Thoughts & Nearsighted Observations
The Mile High Report — ... b.  I am Wes Welker's biggest non-fan.  I've always thought that he's just a guy playing a well-designed, high-volume role.  He kind of reminds me of old friend ...

New England Patriots Links 10/08/09 - Pats, Broncos Mutual Admiration Society Continues
Pats Pulpit — ... to how you execute, it really does. They may have information, we have information. When you're out there, what you see is what you see, and that's what you've got to react to no matter what they say in the meeting before the game. You take the information; you gather it from a lot of different sources. Then, you've got to go out and you've got to make the plays. TEAM TALK Erik Scalavino Tom Brady, Mike Wright, and Wes Welker discuss New England's familiarity with the Broncos head coach ...

Preview: New England Patriots @ Denver Broncos
Pats Pulpit — ... and Andre Goodman.  So, where do you go?  Yet again, this is where Wes Welker excels.  You go underneath with "the long handoff" and march down the field.  Forget about getting the ball to Moss early in the game.  When the safeties pull in a bit or miss double teaming Randy, try getting it to him.  Remember, Moss is fast, but he takes time to get up to speed. ...

Post Game Recap: Denver Broncos defeat New England Patriots, 20-17
Pats Pulpit — ... Wes Welker - The little guys is back and doing what he does best, drive defenses nuts, to the tune of 8 for 86 yards and a TD.  Even after he was speared in the back, Welker walked off for one play and came back on to do some more damage.  This guy is ridiculous. ...

Shallow Thoughts & Nearsighted Observations
The Mile High Report — ... , the real play was made by D.J.Williams, in covering Wes Welker one-on-one.  Brady clearly wanted to go there, and it was blanketed.  On the next play, Brady did throw to Welker, and Champ Bailey had great coverage.  The Broncos did a great job taking Welker away in the second half. ...

Jets Add Another Receiver
Gang Green Nation — ... Some have questioned his size limitations, but Wes Welker is one of the best slot receivers in the game, and he stands at just 5'9, a single inch taller than Woodhead. In fact Woodhead is listed at a even 200lb's, where as Welker is 185lb's. ...

Does Tom Brady have the right targets?
Pats Pulpit — ... of the season.  Tom's back, so this shouldn't be a problem, right?  Everything's in place to make another run for it, right?  Wrong.  Watch Tom in the Denver game.   After a few failed attempts to get Randy the ball, he consistently looks for Wes.  What's the problem with that?  The little engine that can is going to get worn out; he's going to get hammered on a regular basis.  And defenses will figure out that if you blanket Randy and Wes Welker, you've taken away Brady's weapons. ...

5 Questions with Music City Miracles
Pats Pulpit — ... of all the side to side that he did last week against the Colts. 5. What's your prediction for the game and why? I think the Patriots win pretty easily for the simple fact that the Titans will not be able to stop them through the air. That will force the Titans to start putting the ball in the air and nothing good can come from that. I know there have been some concerns about the passing attack up there, but even a hobbled Tom Brady and Wes Welker and an older Randy Moss should put up some good numbers ...

Panthers Receiving Tandem - Less than Good So Far
Cat Scratch Reader — ... yards. He has been the target for 31.6 percent of Carolina passes. Muhammad has caught 19 of 35 passes for 178 yards. He has been the target 26.3 percent of the time. You don't need to be Jeff Davidson to know that's not efficient. Compare their production to other top NFL receiving tandems, and the numbers look worse. Only one other duo has been the target for as many of its team's passes (57.9 percent) when they are healthy: Randy Moss and Wes Welker of the Patriots. But Welker and Moss have been far more ...

The NFL Trade Deadline: What to Expect from the Kansas City Chiefs
Arrowhead Pride — ... was drafted with the final pick in the second round by the Patriots in 2002. After being named the Super Bowl MVP in 2005, the Pats pulled the wool over the eyes of the Seahawks and traded Branch away for...a first round pick. Branch and the Patriots were having contract issues and as the pattern shows, the Patriots ditched their problem player. This trade should be made literally every time it is offered to a team. 2007 Pioli got: WR Wes Welker Pioli gave up: 2nd round pick (60th overall) and 7th ...

Open Game Thread: Titans @ Patriots
Pats Pulpit — ... .  Notably absent, however, is Wes Welker which means his health has improved.  I thought for sure that hit to the back would've kept him out, but there's no stopping the little engine that can. ...

New England Patriots Links 10/21/09 - Pats Getting Ready to Play Across The Pond
Pats Pulpit — ... When Brady can get the ball to Moss and to Wes Welker (who had 10 catches for 150 yards and two touchdowns), this team is unstoppable. ...

Five Questions with Buc 'Em
Pats Pulpit — ... of bumping corners. 2. How much of an impact is the loss of fullback B.J. Askew? Can Earnest Graham fill his shoes? Graham filled in nicely last year when both fullbacks went down, so Im sure he will do the same this year. Its unfortunate because Askew is a good weapon when used correctly, but car accidents are car accidents, you cant help them. 3. What defensive weapons can Tampa Bay bring to the table to stop the likes of Randy Moss and Wes Welker? Do you think the Bucs will use the "tried and true" rush ...

Enemy Flashback Video & Conversation with Pats blogs!
Buc 'Em — ... the change of pace back and BenJarvus Green-Ellis the insurance policy. Now it seems like Maroney is going to be the guy, with Green-Ellis spelling him, and Faulk remaining the 3rd down back. The Patriots also do a lot of short passes to receivers like Wes Welker which serves almost the same purpose as the running game. ...

A Most Delicious Matchup
Acme Packing Company — ... , former St. Louis safety turned receiver, is a homeless man's Wes Welker.  From there, it's all downhill in Cleveland. ...

Preview: New England Patriots @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Wembley Stadium
Pats Pulpit — ... and Wes Welker to get open and stay open.  That being said, Tampa Bay would be insane not to blanket these 2 with coverage.  They see the same injury reports we do and know that if you shut down Moss and Welker, you take away 2 of ...

Post Game Thread: New England Patriots defeat Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 35-7
Pats Pulpit — ... Big surprise.  Wes Welker is all over the field, making sure he's open for Tom Brady when he's needed.  Overall, I'm happy they won, but there are things that need to be fixed.  Brady is overthrowing Randy Moss, Sebastian Vollmer and Logan Mankins need to watch the holding, and I'm still not convinced Laurence Maroney is past the "Dancing El Mo".  On the positive side, the defensive backfield is much improved, IMO.  Brandon Meriweather is a MAJOR stud of late.  More to come ...

Quick Recap: Patriots defeat Buccaneers, 35-7
Pats Pulpit — ... Wes Welker is ridiculous.  My only worry about the little engine that can is the possibility of burnout.  I mean, the guy can only take so much.  Get Julian Edelman back on the field. ...

New England Patriots Links 10/26/09 - Patriots Beat Bucs, Win at Wembley 35-7
Pats Pulpit — ... by the Patriots offense. Mike Reiss points out that for the second game in a row, defensive coordinator Dean Pees called the defensive plays from the press box. Linebackers coach Matt Patricia ran the sideline operation. Ian Rapoport describes a bit of the scene and the fans in London Mark Farinella isn't a fan of Goodell's plan to expand the brand. Boston Herald Patriots Notebook:  Wes Welker led both teams with a 10/10, 107-yd rec, 1 TD game; Ty ...

Is the Patriots' Wes Welker the most dangerous slot receiver in the NFL?
Pats Pulpit — ... .  OF COURSE WES IS THE MOST DANGEROUS SLOT RECEIVER IN THE NFL!!  Sorry for shouting.  Anyway, the diminutive one constantly dazzles us with what seems like an uncanny and unique ability to move the chains.  In a flat out 40 yard dash, Wes Welker would most likely get crushed by other receivers.  That's because their definition of speed is based on south to north. ...

Looking forward: New England Patriots schedule after the bye
Pats Pulpit — ... is low, indicating a strong defense and a weaker offense.  If we can figure out how to handle their blitzing schemes, things should turn out ok.  Our loss in Week 2 was with a different team. Wes Welker's back, Brady's looking better every day, and ...

The All-Unknown Team
Niners Nation — ... in college, Manningham only caught four passes in an injury riddled rookie season. But he has already caught 28 passes this year, including four touchdowns. Manningham has become a big play threat in his sophomore season. He is currently tied for third in the league with 9 catches of over 20 yards, and is averaging 15.7 yards per catch. The former Michigan Wolverine and teammate Steve Smith have become a solid receiver duo for New York this year. Manningham is built in the mold of a Wes Welker, and like Welker he has become a favorite target of his ...

Bills Fantasy Friday: Week 8 Start 'Em/Sit 'Em
Buffalo Rumblings — ... looked Evans' way as he accumulated 20 total targets against the Jets and Panthers (he has just 48 for the season).  Expect that to continue.  I said I wouldn't recommend using him again, but I feel almost compelled to do so for one week only.  Assuming the weather is okay, I expect Fitzpatrick to continue trying to get Evans heavily involved, including another deep ball or two.  With some good receivers on bye again this week (Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Chad Ochocinco, Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes, ...

Quick thoughts and stuff
Pats Pulpit — ... I'm going to adopt Wes Welker.  He told me in a dream that he doesn't want to live where that SMP guy does.  He likes it where I live.  What?  Light's out?  Take 2 of the green ones?  Ok.  Ok.  Just don't put that jacket on me again. ...

Questionable decisions already starting to mount for Freeman
Buc 'Em — ... Maybe my expectations are unrealistic, but I had fully hoped that Freeman would step up and lead this time.  The extra study isn't required, it's not mandated in his contract, he had every right to go home.  But as a quarterback, the supposed leader of the team, I want more.  As a young player making the first of what may be many starts, I want more from him.  The Mannings, Bradys, Brees', Warners, the elite-QB's put the time in.  Wes Welker has attributed all his success to "mind numbing" extra film study.  ...

Dolphins vs Patriots: Three Key Matchups
The Phinsider — ... As for Wes Welker, expect to see a lot of Nate Jones on him.  Why?  Because Welker will primarily line up in the slot and Jones is the team's best slot corner following the season-ending injury to Will Allen.  I think that if Welker does line up on the outside, we'll see Davis on him for sure.  But when Welker lines up inside and attempts to do what he does best, it'll be Jones - who has come on these past two games - who gets the duty of covering the pesky little receiver. ...

Dolphins vs Patriots: Miami's Keys to Victory
The Phinsider — ... and Wes Welker. They each have their own strengths and roles and they compliment each other absolutely perfectly. ...

Two New Chiefs Receivers Show Practice With QB is "Overrated"
Arrowhead Pride — ... I'm still in the "prove it" mode with Chambers since he's 31 years old and has to bring plenty of positivity to the offense to convince me he's more valuable than a younger player with more upside.  But Long is definitely in the Wes Welker mode and obviously has a nice rapport with Cassel. ...

A Patriots fan's favorite Colt: Dallas Clark
Stampede Blue — ... 7 plays into the MNF season opener against Buffalo and backup ILB Gary Guyton had to step in.  He did an excellent job and is now a mainstay in 4-3 rotations with Mayo and stands next to Jerod in our 3-4 packages. Anthony Gonzalez I still like, but I believe Dallas Clark would be the weapon I would choose right now.  The Patriots' Benjamin Watson is very dangerous, but he's more of a secret weapon than one of Tom Brady's mainstays.  Like Brady and Wes Welker, I believe Clark is a frequent look for Peyton Manning, ...

Building a Playbook to Beat the Cardinals: Streaking Behind a Wall of Blockers
Field Gulls — ... run something like this with Wes Welker. The key to it working is the interior line pulling forward without getting tied up. The I-backs rush forward to retard the freed pass rushers and the tackles and tight end ...

Keys to beating the Patriots on Sunday
Stampede Blue — ... the Patriots need Brady on the field to score points.  But both have proven you can do a lot with very little time.  So keeping them off the field, while somewhat accurate, is a bit of a 30,000 ft view. Belichick has been sneaking Ben Watson into packages where we need some third down yardage or in red zone situations and the man has been delivering.  I would argue he's our "third receiver".  While defenses are busy with Randy Moss and Wes Welker, Tom Brady can find Watson.  Respect Watson and you'll take ...

Bucs could be in line for second straight win Sunday
Buc 'Em — ... explosive on special teams, allowing people to forget how inept Ted Ginn Jr. is at the receiver position when he’s taking kicks back to the house. And they’re banged-up. Advantage No. 1 for the Bucs: The Dolphins will start two rookie cornerbacks in Sean Smith and Vontae Davis on Sunday. Against the Patriots last week, the Dolphin defense gave up a combined 231 receiving yards and one touchdown to Randy Moss and Wes Welker. Overall, they were torched for 323 yards through the air. ...

Beating the Patriots just got a little harder
Stampede Blue — ... WR Julian Edelman - Edelman earned his stripes when Wes Welker missed a few games earlier in the season.  He came up to speed quick and displayed Welker-like quickness and good hands.  He "could" work well as our third receiver or rotate in and out with Welker.  Given the choice, I'd want Welker on the field, but it's nice to have Julian on board. ...

Silly untruths about the 2009 Patriots at the mid-season point
Pats Pulpit — ... of three championships. However, new players like Jerod Mayo and Brandon Meriweather have the Patriots allowing only 14.5 ppg (#2 behind the Colts). So, statistically, this is one of the better defense the Patriots have ever had. When you have Tom Brady, and you give him a defense that is only allowing roughly 2 TDs a game, you ARE a contender.   False The Patriots basically have only two receiving weapons on offense: Randy Moss and Wes Welker. Double those two guys and you should be able to shut down this ...

Back in the saddle...errhh...Duck Boat again
Pats Pulpit — ... Out of all of these returning players, I think Edelman will be the most impactful, IF his arm has healed enough.  He'll provide a nice third receiver option for Brady and could rotate in and out with Wes Welker to keep him fresh.  I would then suggest Sammy Morris in order of importance.  When Laurence Maroney is having trouble, Morris seems to find a way to work through the holes.  He's also been providing a nice checkdown target for ...

Game Preview: Patriots @ Colts
Pats Pulpit — ... and crew should be picking on them mercilessly.  Wes Welker is practically unstoppable underneath, but that's low yardage, chain moving stuff.  We need to get ...

Recap Week Ten: Colts 35 - Patriots 34
Stampede Blue — ... is heaping on Brady and Moss for "dominating" the first half, the real dominant players were Manning and Reggie Wayne, who caught 10 balls for 126 yards and 2 TDs, including the game-winner. In the fourth quarter, and especially on the game-winning drive, Reggie Wayne was money. Absolute money. Contrast this is Moss, who caught one pass for 8 yards in the fourth, and when the Patriots needed to convert 3rd and 4th down, Brady did not go to his "dominant" wide receiver. He threw it to Wes Welker and Kevin Faulk. ...

Game Recap: Colts defeat Patriots, 35-34
Pats Pulpit — ... The third quarter remained scoreless which was ok in my book; maintaining a 10 point lead against Indy for 15 minutes is a VERY good thing.  Then, as if to guarantee the win, Wes Welker broke loose for a 69 yard punt return to the Indy 7 yard line.  A 2 yard pass to ...

Jim Leonhard To Have Surgery Today
Gang Green Nation — ... for. Although Rex would not rule him out for Sunday's trip to New England he did not sound very confident. Jets safety Jim Leonhard to undergo surgery for fractured thumb. Rex Ryan says he doesn't know if Leonhard out for Patriots game. So 24 hours after many (myself included) questioned Kerry Rhodes, we now face the prospect of a Kerry Rhodes/Eric Smith safety combination against Randy Moss/Wes Welker and Tom Brady. It certainly doesn't fill you with ...

Focusing on Jersey: Patriots take on Jets this Sunday
Pats Pulpit — ... like cover-2, because of the range Kerry has, might’ve been cover-1. Hey, all I can say is, we’ve got the best corner in the league and I don’t think there’s any dispute about that." Best corner in the league?  Revis is very good, don't get me wrong, but best in the league?  If so we're happy to seem him taken out of the game all day covering Randy Moss.  Tom Brady will simply carve up the Jets secondary with Wes Welker, Benjamin Watson, and Julian Edelman.  Moss as a ...

Arrowheadlines: Chiefs News 11/21
Arrowhead Pride — ... 1. Stop thinking Lance Long is the next Wes Welker.  He's not the next great slot receiver....get over it.  To this point what would make anyone think that? ...

Any Given Sunday, Week 11 NFL Preview
Niners Nation — ... game still reeling from blowing a 17 point lead last week in Indianapolis. Coach Bellichick made a rare mistake deciding to go for it on 4th and 2 at his own 28, and it cost the Patriots the game. I expect he and his team will be looking to make a statement against the Jets, especially after already losing to them once this year. New England has not been swept by a division rival since Bellichick's first year with the team. In their last meeting, the Patriots were without Wes Welker and Brady was still knocking off the rust from his knee injury. ...

New York Jets Pass Defense vs. New England Patriots Pass Offense
Gang Green Nation — ... with very little safety help. The Jets played a lot of cover zero and cover one. When he had help, he didn't need it. The one area the Pats found success was working the middle with Julian Edelman, a shifty slot receiver. Wes Welker will be in the lineup this time. He and Edelman will be working the middle a lot. We'll also see a lot of quick throws and screens to Welker and let him make plays. To get to Brady, the Jets are going to have to ask a lot out of ...

Game Preview: Jets @ Patriots
Pats Pulpit — ... improving at some crossing patterns instead of simply sprinting vertical; it adds another weapon in the Patriots' arsenal.  Why leave all the fun to Wes Welker? ...

Post Game Thread - Pats Over Jets 31-14
Pats Pulpit — ... .  Lots to still work on before we hit New Orleans next week, but let's enjoy this one for now.  And how about Wes Welker???  Beast of a game! ...

Patriots 31 Jets 14: Bitter Revenge
Gang Green Nation — ... There was also the time the Jets disguised a blitz, moved everybody to the line, sent 3, and left nobody deep. I tend to believe there's never a good time to rush 3, but the idea of doing that is to minimize the possibility of a big play. Moving everybody to the line and sending nobody is the worst of all worlds. There's little chance to generate a pass rush, and guys are out of position. Wes Welker had a long grab to set up a score. ...

My Thoughts Following Pittsburgh's Late Meltdown Against Kansas City
Behind the Steel Curtain — ... kept going to Wes Welker over and over again in the 2nd half on those quick hitting passes. Why not? We couldn't stop it. I wonder sometimes why teams in sports - and not just the Steelers - go away from what's working for no apparent reason.  ...

Prospective Seahawks General Managers: Randy Mueller
Field Gulls — ... for a second round pick, Wes Welker for a second and seventh round pick (when Welker was a return specialist and part time receiver) and, as mentioned, freed the Seahawks from Mirer and the Saints from Williams. Mueller does not have much experience picking quarterbacks. He did find Marc Bulger in the sixth, and acquired ...

Do the Patriots have the most dangerous receiver in the NFL?
Pats Pulpit — ... I know, Marima already used this picture in her Jets @ Patriots Postgame Thread, but it IS cool, isn't it? In our matchup with the New York Jets, Wes Welker accounted for 192 yards of Tom Brady's 310 yard performance this past Sunday.  You read that right - Wes Welker accounted for 61.94% of Brady's production.  With 15 receptions and 192 yards, Wes averaged 12.8 yards per carry and a long of 43. Fantasy sites have an interesting perspective on Wes; this from The Sportswatchers.com: ...

New England Patriots Links 11/24/09 - Marching Onward To The Saints
Pats Pulpit — ... (NY Post) Ryan curses out Pats for rubbing it in.  The Jets head coach felt disrespected after Brady's long ball to Moss late in the game. George Willis (NY Post) It's about time for Rex to get four-letter furious at his own team.  Rex needs to hold his own team accountable for the one-sided score. NFL.com Deion Sanders counts down the top 10 performances from a wild Week 11. Leigh Bodden number 6, and "I love me some Wes Welker" number 2. Mike Triplett (Times-Picayune) New ...

A World Turned Upside Down: Week 11 in the NFL
Niners Nation — ... I lost the money.  The right call is the one that improves your chances of winning.  The wrong call decreases them.  If the Patriots got the 1st down then it would have been the right call.  But they didn't.  The Patriots would have been better off if they had punted it.  No one can argue with that.  That means it was the wrong call.  Oh ya, the Patriots also beat the Jets 31-14.  Tom Brady completed 28 of 41 passes for 310 yards and Wes Welker caught 15 of those passes for 192 yards. ...

Monday Night Key Matchups: Saints Defense vs. Patriots Offense
Canal Street Chronicles — ... six of those sacks have come in the last three weeks, and every one of them has come from the left side of the defense, five with Patriots right tackle Nick Kaczur getting beat. After back to back games with two sacks earlier this year, Charles Grant has been rather quiet in recent weeks. This is the perfect chance for him to step up his game and show the fans why he's still the starting left defensive end. Malcolm Jenkins/Chris McAlister vs Wes Welker I'm assuming that Jabari Greer will be lined up on ...

Inside the Mind of Rzayo24: Thanksgiving Edition
The Phinsider — ...  could be one hell diamond in the rough. Big strong Hawaiian dudes are near the top of the list of guys you don't want to piss off at a bar. Those guys are right up there with overweight red-necks and bikers. He was drafted two spots ahead of the legend that is Samson Satele - and the way my mind works, we now got him for Wes Welker. Every time I see Wes Welker break off a big punt return - I pop a tums - makes me sick to my stomach. So we wave good-bye to another wasted 2nd-round pick - baaaaaaaaaaaaaaa byeeeeeeee 2nd round pick! ...

Q & A with Canal Street Chronicles
Pats Pulpit — ... are definitely a little banged up at the cornerback position. Before signing Mike McKenzie this week, the Saints also signed former Ravens Pro-Bowler Chris McAlister. With starting cornerback Tracy Porter out a few more weeks and backup Leigh Torrence placed on IR, these signings were necessary from a depth standpoint. I don't expect either McKenzie or McAlister to start on Monday but I do believe they will be called in to help cover Randy Moss, Wes Welker and company as part of the Saints game plan. Most ...

MNF Patriots @ Saints: Malcolm Jenkins' Baptismal by Fire
Canal Street Chronicles — ... Bowl loss on the heals of the first 16-0 season in NFL history. Oh yeah, and one of his receivers happens to be one of the best of all time, too, in Randy Moss. For the Saints' sake, I hope Jabari Greer can make it back in time for this game healthy. He's their best cover corner and the Saints are depleted enough with Tracy Porter assuredly out and Randall Gay probably out as well. If Greer can go, that probably leaves Jenkins to cover Wes Welker. Welker leads the Patriots with 79 receptions and ...

New York Jets Pass Defense vs. Carolina Panthers Pass Offense
Gang Green Nation — ... will be the nickel. Coleman is coming off one of worst performances in NFL history against Wes Welker (and that is not hyperbole). In four years, Drew hasn't really developed any cover skills or shown he should be on the field in anything other than extreme passing subpackages. Carolina's third receiver, Jersey product ...

The Big Easy...won't be. Patriots prepare for the Saints
Pats Pulpit — ... .  Sure, Wes Welker is super dangerous at moving the chains, but a guy like Moss puts points on the board.  With Moss most likely covered, who do we go to?  As I'm fond of saying, ...

Buc'em Predictions!
Buc 'Em — ... are back.  Then they play a good team and lose.  This week, Belicheck pulls a motivational tactic and lines up Wes Welker at defensive tackle on a big fourth and one.  ...