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Wes Welker is back doing what he loves to do. He is playing football for the New England Patriots. It may just be non-contact OTA’s, but look how far he has come since that dreadful January day in Houston.
Welker was making a routine cut against the Texans but his knee didn’t react in the routine way. He tore his ACL, though initially it was thought he tore his MCL as well. He knew his season was over as he sobbed on the bench into a towel.
Little did we know the Patriots’ season was technically over that day as well. Without Welker, the Patriots struggled mightily on offense as they got pasted by Baltimore in the Wild Card round at home.
What would life be without Welker?
Odds were that he may have suffered a Brady-like injury and may miss at least half of the 2011 season. Which raised the question, who would replace Wes Welker?
Would Julien Edelman become the heir apparent?
People were talking like Welker may never play again, but haven’t we learned anything about his determination and pure will to compete?
He went undrafted out of TCU. He was cut by the Chargers before signing with Miami. Welker excelled at special teams and wide receiver to earn a starting spot with the Dolphins.
He became such a thorn in the Patriots’ side that they traded for him in 2007. All he did in 2007 was shatter Troy Brown’s franchise record of 101 catches with 112. Then in 2008, without Tom Brady, he caught 111 balls to post his second straight 1,000 yard season.
There is no way he could keep this pace up, right?
By being the slot receiver, he was always in the defender’s cross hairs and sometimes they caught him. And made him pay. But he got back up and threw up his arms to energize the crowd.
Basically saying “Bring It On!” with Tom Brady back at the helm, he caught an eye-popping 123 balls in just 14 games before his season-ending knee injury.
All of New England gasped when he went down in a meaningless game in Texas. Fans were angry and upset that Welker was injured in a game that meant nothing.
But Wes never felt bad for himself. It probably had the polar opposite effect—he took nothing for granted.
Football.
His career.
His success.
Nothing.
Sometimes pure will and determination to achieve a goal outweighs what doctors and medical professionals believe is the norm.
Because for a guy like Wes Welker, nothing is the norm. Who would have thought he would be the only player in NFL history to have three straight seasons with at least 110 receptions?
Shocking?
Nope, that’s just Wes Welker.
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Tom Brady isn’t on the same page with the New England Patriots —or vice versa.
Neither is Randy Moss.
With a black hole threatening to swallow the key ingredients in New England’s potentially explosive and cohesive offensive machine, at least one thing is working out.
Shocking NFL analysts and followers everywhere, wide receiver Wes Welker is participating in Patriots’ practices.
He’s stretching, doing high-knee’s, and even cutting on the field.
The next step—making fantasy owners cry for passing him up.
Surely, Welker and the Patriots aren’t trying to prove anyone wrong. They don’t want to ruin a budding career, or even remotely have fantasy football owner’s hearts in mind.
But, boy, is this impressive, or what?
Tom Brady is gracing magazines and websites over his contract dispute with the Patriots. And we all know more than we care to about Randy Moss’ own contractual and egotistical issues.
The question is, can Welker regain his form in time to make you look like a genius for drafting him early?
Or is he still headed for an inevitable six week stay on the Physically Unable to Perform list?
Judging by reports leading up to this mammoth revelation, all signs point to Welker’s return as a definite possibility.
He’s already taking the field, running, cutting, and throwing his legs around like they don’t even have ligaments.
True, this rigorous, heartfelt comeback attempt, fueled at an ambitious rate, could work against Welker and New England.
The diminutive receiver could damage the knees further, and another setback could simply drain all the juice left in Welker’s knees.
But that wouldn’t be the Wes Welker we know.
He’s never been a touchdown machine, but Welker surely has been the NFL’s token slot-man. He can get a first-down just about any time you absolutely need him to.
Welker is the PPR demon, the guy who piles up receptions in record breaking numbers, the guy that would have been the Super Bowl MVP in 2007 had those 18-0 Patriots closed the deal.
But his knee is still healing following an ACL-tear. He’s still miles away from completing this unreal comeback.
However, his job is still there.
Julian Edelman was impressive last year. But he’s not Wes Welker.
And from what we’re seeing and hearing, on just the second day of June, Welker is well on his way to keeping that job.
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When it comes to comparing players in the NFL, there are simply no limitations. It’s something we all love to do, and whether it’s gathering around the water cooler and comparing Peyton Manning to Tom Brady, Adrian Peterson to Chris Johnson or Joe Montana to Dan Marino, comparison in sports is simply one of the more pleasant sides of being a fan.
However, as the new decade of NFL football approaches, many new and upcoming players take center stage as they look to once again have a breakout year and keep writers such as myself occupied.
For the most part, these up and coming players are all fairly young. Sure, they were drafted several years ago, but like a young child at a new school, they’ve taken a few years to come out of their shells and really shine in the NFL.
In 2009, there were several players that we enjoyed watching. But perhaps the most explosive and dynamic players that we were all privileged to watch was Dallas’ Miles Austin and New England’s Wes Welker.
Looking back, I think I speak for a few people in saying that no one really expected the majority of Dallas’ points and New England’s points to come from these questionably talented guys.
However, touchdowns were a constant, and just when we thought both of these guys were in for a quiet game or two, they once again showed us all why they could quite possibly be the next Randy Moss’ or Michael Irving’s of this league.
So now that we are all familiar with these two men, who is poised for the bigger 2010 season? It’s quite a debate able issue, and trust me, I am well aware that this may spark quite a debate between loyal Cowboy and Patriot fans.
Miles Austin
2009 Stats: 81 receptions, 1,320 yards, 11 touchdowns
As you can tell from the above stats, Miles Austin had an exceptional year. As a partial Dallas Cowboys fan, it was an absolute delight to watch this man expose safeties and cornerbacks on his way to posting another six points on the board.
The most significant game in my mind for Miles Austin, was against the New Orleans Saints. Dallas was by far a heavy underdog, and it was quite a surprise to see Miles Austin step his game up and play so consistently.
In the early goings of the game, Tony Romo managed to seek out Miles Austin and deliver quite an accurate pass. Some may this was a mere fluke, but there is simply no denying that Miles Austin gets open, calls for the ball and delivers nine times out of 10.
The other ability that Miles Austin possesses is speed. Unlike some other NFL wide receivers who rely on their hands and footwork to do most of the talking, Miles Austin’s uncanny ability to jump out of the starting blocks and gain a considerable amount of space between a cornerback is outstanding.
However, perhaps Miles Austin’s biggest accomplishment in recent years is his leadership ability. It is rare to find a young talent so willing to take on the role of the number one wide receiver, and seeing as though there is quite a bit of competition in Dallas, Miles Austin is still a heavily favored starter.
In 2010, expect Tony Romo to target Miles Austin. This is Austin’s year to really breakout and possibly set the Cowboys up for the Lombardi Trophy. The NFC East is a tough division, yes, but Miles Austin has the talent to overcome the odds.
Wes Welker
2009 Stats:123 receptions, 1,348 yards, 4 touchdowns
It was a shock to see Wes Welker go down with a knee injury toward the end of the 2009 season. I remember immediately after seeing Wes Welker cringe in pain thinking “Well there goes the Patriots postseason”.
Unfortunately, I was right, and the Baltimore Ravens stomped all over the New England Patriots in the Wild Card round.
As negative as this injury seemed at the time though, perhaps now looking back it is quite a positive in the career of Wes Welker. Now I know your all probably thinking, “How is an injury ever positive?” Well, of course the injury itself isn’t positive, but perhaps the layoff from the NFL will rejuvenate Wes Welker a little.
We saw it with Vince Young in 2009 when Kerry Collins stepped in as a starter. Did Vince Young not come back and win the starting role convincingly and prove to everyone he is a true athlete?
Your damn right he did. So maybe it is wise for us all to take a positive spin on Wes Welker’s injury.
Aside from the past though, the future looks ever so bright for Wes Welker. He has one of the greatest quarterbacks in the game throwing to him, and is surrounded by a strong coaching staff that will help him if he is to fall into a slump.
We all know that Wes Welker is more than just a capable wide receiver, and his ability is well documented. After a catch, Wes Welker has an uncanny ability of turning and running full steam toward the end zone.
It isn’t typical Patriot football, but it gets the job done, and with Randy Moss aging, it is important that Wes makes a full recovery and steps in ready for the 2010 season.
So Who Is Poised For the Better 2010 Season?
Right now the obvious answer is Miles Austin. He’s a Dallas fan favorite, he’s won over just about everybody, and he doesn’t have an injury that he has to make a successful comeback from.
With this said, there is still a lot that Miles Austin must learn, but seeing as though Dez Bryant is the newest Cowboy, Miles’ “leader” type role will be in full affect this upcoming season.
Will Miles top his previous 11 touchdowns? All factors point to yes, but it is of course a very long season. Dallas is a Super Bowl favorite, and love them or hate them, there is no denying the fact that Miles Austin is a future star, if he isn’t one already.
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Being the omnipotent Patriots blogger that I am I was fortunate enough to get an early sneak peek at a transcript of the Wes Welker interview with Michael Felger and Tony Massarotti that will air on the Sports Hub 98.5 tomorrow (Thursday) at 11:30am. I’m secretly posting below, some really interesting stuff….
Felger: Welcome back to the show, joining us now we’re lucky today to have Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker, last seen crying like a little baby on the sidelines of Houston. How you doing, Wes?
Mazz: Sup, Wesley!?
Welker: You know, I’m okay fellas. How are you guys?
Mazz: How do you think we are? We’re pissed off about Boston sports and their fans.
Felger: There’s a question that’s on everyone’s mind so I’m just going to ask it. Does the Patriots organization purposely try to be the worst team in football every year? Because when you look at a team like the Jets… I mean… Wow. It’s pretty clear this is an all-star team that probably won’t lose a game. And the Dolphins signed probably the greatest Wide Receiver in the NFL in Brandon Marshall. It’s pretty clear the Patriots are third place team and that’s just until the Bills find a quarterback.
Mazz: But Felgy, the Pats signed Bulgey Crumpler and drafted that pothead Aaron Hernandez! I mean this sarcastically of course. I would never praise a move the Patriots made.
Felger: Bulgey?
Mazz: You know, cause he’s fat? Bulge-y. Rhymes with Alge…?
Felger: Oh, yeah. Nice try, Mazz. But no.
Welker: You know, uh… was there a question there?
Mazz: Wes, maybe you can help me out with something I’ve been trying to figure out for a while now. Why are Patriots fans such losers who blindly worship at the altar of Bill Belichick’s hoodie when he’s clearly been surpassed by both Rex Ryan and Tony Sparano as a football coach, and that’s just in the AFC East alone? And I gotta be honest, I really like the moves Chan Gailey’s making in Buffalo.
Welker: Um, you know, I don’t know if that’s necessarily true. You know, we did win the division last year and stuff. Did you guys want to ask me about my knee?
Felger: Glad you brought it up. How’s the knee and what week will you be back on the field?
Welker: You know, I can’t really put a time table on it. I’m just rehabbing and you know, I’m excited by the progress I’ve made-
Felger: Because I think you’re gonna miss the whole season. And when you come back in 2011 there’s no way you’re the same player you once were.
Mazz: Ooooh, the Patriots fans aren’t gonna like that!
Felger: It’s my opinion and I’m entitled to it. Welker. Done. Fini. See ya. Okay, now that the knee stuff is out of the way let’s talk Playboy mansion. Everyone saw the pictures of you there with the hooker Elliot Spitzer was banging. So what went down in the grotto, Wes?
Welker: You know, it was just a pajama party and we took a picture and uh-
Felger: I bet Ms. Hooters didn’t like that one!
Mazz: Zing! Good one, Felgie!
Felger: Settle down, Mazz. Let’s get serious for a second, Wes. Why doesn’t Bill Belichick like me?
Welker: You know…
Felger: You’re right, I do know.
Mazz: Wes, what it’s gonna take for us to get Bill Belichick fired?
Felger: Great question.
Mazz: You know him. You know his weaknesses. What could I say that would get him to hit me?
Welker: Hit you?
Mazz: Yeah, he hits me. I sue for Kraft to fire him. We get a real football coach who listens to the media in New England.
Felger: You can’t do that, Mazz. Nice try. But it’s an interesting point. Wes, how is it that Bill Belichick still has a job? He hasn’t won a Super Bowl since 2004.
Welker: You know, I mean we were 2:42 away from being the greatest team in NFL history in 2007. That doesn’t count for anything?
Felger: All I care about is Super Bowl wins. That’s all that matters and I would think you, as someone who has never won a Super Bowl, would know that.
Mazz: That’s why we love the Jets. Because they’re going to win the Super Bowl.
Felger: Oh man, the Jets. I don’t know who I love more, them or Eliot Spitzer’s hooker.
Mazz: Imagine her playing on the Jets!
Felger: Oh, that’s hot. Put her behind that line of theirs, she’d have more rushing yards than Maroney that’s for sure.
Mazz: At least it would be enjoyable to watch her dance at the line of scrimmage.
Welker: Anything else guys?
Felger: What? Who is this?
Welker: You know, Wes Welker.
Felger: Wes! Forgot about you bud. How’s the knee?
Welker: Are you guys serious?
Felger: One sec, Wes. We’ve got a special caller joining, everyone say hello to Boston Globe beat writer Bert Breer. Bert!?
Breer: Hey guys, just real quick, has anyone mentioned how good the Jets are going to be yet?
Felger: We’re all over it Bert.
Breer: Just wanted to make sure. Later guys!
Mazz: Thanks Double B!
Felger: Double B, Mazz?
Mazz: Bert Breer? Two B’s?
Felger: That’s Belichick too, Mazz. Come on!
Mazz: Sorry.
Felger: Oh look at that, we’re almost out of time. Wes, just a couple more questions for you… how much do you regret leaving Miami for New England?
Welker: Um, not at all?
Felger: Really? That’s interesting. Especially since they have Brandon Marshall now. He’s like a Randy Moss who actually tries.
Mazz: Wes, do you ever look at Bill Belichick and say “I could do a better job coaching a football team”? Because I do.
Felger: I say that every day of my life. If he’d just listen to guys like me and Mazz.. well me… not so much Mazz… New England would have at least two to three more Super Bowls.
Welker: Right.
Felger: Welp, that’s it. We’re out of time. Thanks Wes, some really great stuff.
Mazz: See you in 2011, Wes!
Welker: Sure thing, guys. Later.
PatsPropaganda.com
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I’ve been invited to participate in Fantasy Trader’s fantasy football roundtable.
This week’s topic :
Which top ten 2009 wide receiver do you believe could struggle to repeat?
Click here for the full article .
My response :
Obviously Wes Welker won’t replicate his 2009 success. His absence could make things tough for Randy Moss as well. Will Reggie Wayne yield more to the youngsters? Is the Giants’ Steve Smith for real? Santonio Holmes wass traded and suspended? Brandon Marshall has a new home. Can DeSean Jackson do it with Kevin Kolb all year long?
How about Larry Fitzgerald post-Kurt Warner? Was Miles Austin a fluke? I can’t remember a year where the top WRs came in with so many question marks.
The player I’m concerned about is Sidney Rice . Brett Favre will be 41 next season should he return. He’s coming off one of the best statistical seasons of his legendary career. I’m not sure Grandpa Brett can come close to what he did last year.
Even if he does, there are plenty of mouths to feed. Percy Harvin figures to have an increased role. Bernard Berrian was overlooked for the most part. Visanthe Shiancoe remains a quality option.
Both of Favre’s INTs in the painful loss to the Saints in the NFC title game were on forced passes to Sidney Rice. Too many times Favre zeroed in on Rice and just threw it up to him, covered or not. With so many quality options, it doesn’t make sense to repeat that practice.
The Vikings often would scrap the run last year despite having one of the game’s elite RBs. Adrian Peterson’s fumble issues were part of the reason, but it was like the whole team was swept up in Favreapalooza.
Adrian Peterson is a tireless worker and a consummate professional. I’m willing to bet that he is working on his fumbling issue as we speak. In 2010 he’ll return as the focus of the Vikings’ offense at the expense of the passing game.
With an outside chance that he has a new QB, or one who’s a grandpa and 41, a more balanced passing attack, and a shift towards the running game, Sidney Rice will come up short in his attempt to match the 1,312 yards and 8 TDs he produced last year.
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