Wes Welker’s insane receiving pace slowed down for a few games after he faced the Jets last time around.
For two games, Welker caught only 12 passes 84 yards and a score. That’s not bad, but it’s not the record-breaking numbers we saw early in the season.
Welker bounced back for a huge day against the Giants, but Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie thinks he knows the key to slowing Welker down.
“Every team is starting to notice that if you bang him around, their timing is knocked off,” Cromartie said via ESPNewYork.com.
This isn’t exactly a state secret. It’s been the approach to stopping Welker for years. Still, he’s getting more attention now from defenses than ever.
Welker noted last week that he’s seenn more physical play and “grabbing” lately by defenders.
“At the same time, you have to understand that and do business as business is being done, and be physical and get open. That’s what it comes down to,” Welker said via Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com.
New England isn’t hitting as many big plays on offense, so Welker’s ability to convert first downs is necessary to keep the ball moving.
We’d expect to see Darrelle Revis cover Welker more Sunday night, after Welker caught five passes for 124 yards last time against the Jets. Revis is not one to shy away from getting physical with a receiver.