Comments on: McDaniels says game plan reduced Welker’s role

By: lanman11

lanman11 — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 06:54:43 +0000

It’s all very simple. One more catch and Welker would have set the new Franchise Record for receptions held by Troy Brown. They want him to do that at home this week against the Cardinals, perhaps with TB80 in attendance. The game was in hand, so they pulled him.

By: backindasaddle

backindasaddle — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 00:30:51 +0000

The Pats are now implementing a TE oriented offense. It allows them to leave the same 2 TE personnel package on the field and run damn near anything they want from it. These two TE’s give the Pats enormous versatility without having to substitute and that really messes with the defense. It also allows them to up the tempo because they don’t need to sub out personnel, and really put the heat on the defense. This alignment also gives them equal flexibility in TE/receiver mode, TE/run blocking mode and TE/pass protect mode. These guys do it all and the defense never knows what to expect. Basically, as this relates to Wes is that the offense is morphing into something that will be far less dependent on Wes. It’s certainly no slight to Wes, but rather the offense is changing into something that is more versatile and less dependent on him.

By: pastabelly

pastabelly — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 23:17:57 +0000

This has nothing to do with running the ball more. Edelman took away some of Welker’s plays.

By: randomguy9999

randomguy9999 — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 21:55:36 +0000

Welker still has it no question…. and Bill doesn’t change his play calling just to make a point to a receiver….

the real issue is they have a TON of offensive talent for Brady to work this year… meaning not as much reliance on one player…

Welker will still come through when it counts….

By: quannumkid

quannumkid — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 21:19:19 +0000

But what was different this week than any other week? Gronkowski and Hernandez are pretty much un-coverable by any team. At what point this season will that be different for Welker to be featured?

By: EJ

EJ — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 21:15:01 +0000

The Coaches are doing nothing but punishing the team by cutting back Welker’s playing time. Wes Welker is a playmaker.
You figure the Patriots would take care of Welker, because he has always done what they ask of him, including sending his small frame across the middle of the field on slants where he gets hammered on. Pay him! He deserves it!

By: hockeyflow33

hockeyflow33 — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 20:56:23 +0000

They picked up another legitimate receiver and appear to have a solid running back, (it’s only 1 week so lets wait on that), what would you expect?

It’s beyond stupid to think they’re going to punish Welker by penalizing their offense.

By: tedmurph

tedmurph — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 20:55:42 +0000

And DBranch’s locker is still intact and he hasn’t worked out for any other teams, as far as I know.

By: tedmurph

tedmurph — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 20:53:42 +0000

Something doesn’t quite pass the smell test here. Maybe Tenn took him away. Yes, Pats are a game plan team, but almost always Welker is part of it. He flew all the way to TB for joint practices, took part in 1 padded practice, then didn’t play in the game due to an excused absence. Didn’t catch 1 pass in preseason. Then they trade with the Rams for Salas. Maybe I watch too many movies with conspiracy theories, but can’t help but think something’s up.

By: cowboysfromdallas

cowboysfromdallas — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 20:46:47 +0000

The Patriots are just showing Welker that they are never going to give him the payday he has asked for.

By: effosugoblue

effosugoblue — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 20:07:42 +0000

My fantasy team goes with Welker.

By: spedman24

spedman24 — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 20:07:37 +0000

Bill is just trying to prove he doesn’t need WR’s (and he doesn’t). Wes thought he was bigger than the Pats, he will be gone in 2013.

By: houndofthebaskervols

houndofthebaskervols — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 20:05:05 +0000

Welker is not going to have 100 catches this year, and Brady wont hit 5000 yards either. Pats still win 14 games, but the numbers will look much different.

By: NakedCowboy!

NakedCowboy! — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 19:58:42 +0000

pats are trying to be the team that won 3 SBs… stout defense and balance on offense… lets see how long does the balanced offense lasts…

By: svn2011

svn2011 — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 19:49:53 +0000

uncessary media nonsense. They ran the ball more than usual. They have a #85 now who can actually catch the ball . So obviously welker is going to see his numbers reduce. But after 1 game every one is calling “sharp decline”. BS.