Welker talks about defenseless receiver rule
FOXBOROUGH -- Few players in the NFL would have the right to be as gleeful about the additional protection now afforded to defenseless receivers as Wes Welker.
The Patriots wide receiver was the unsuspecting victim of a crushing blow by Steelers safety Ryan Clark in the Patriots' 33-10 loss to Pittsburgh on Nov. 30, getting clocked under the chin by an airborne Clark as he finished running his route on an uncatchable pass that had been tipped.
At the NFL's annual meeting last month, a rules proposal was passed that outlawed any hit to the head or neck area of a defenseless receiver that involved the helmet, forearm or shoulder. Helmet-to-helmet hits in such circumstances were already illegal.
However, Welker said today that he could see both sides of the new rule and why some defenders might be upset with it.
"I'm sure it's good, but at the same time it's football, and it's a physical game," said Welker. "You don't want to take that away from it, but at the same time you want to be able to protect the guys. I can kind of go both ways on the deal. I can understand why they did it, and I can understand why some guys like or dislike the rule. It's part of it, and you just have to roll with the punches."
Welker said he thinks defensive players will still be physical with receivers, and he understands why.
"It will be interesting to see how it all plays out, whether guys keep the same physical mentality, which I think they will. But at the same time you want to make sure you're taking care of your body. You don't want to put anybody's career in danger or anything like that, but at the same time you got a job to do."
Clark was flagged for a late hit on the play, but was not fined by the NFL because under the existing rules Clark's hit was deemed legal. Although some of Welker's teammates like Vince Wilfork viewed it as a cheap shot, Welker never expressed that sentiment.
Has his opinion of the hit changed now that some time has elapsed?
"Not really," said Welker. "He made a good play. That's all you can do about it. There's nothing you can do until you play him again."
The Steelers are not on the Patriots' 2009 schedule.
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Of course a classy pro like Welker doesnt stoop low to play it out in the media. He'll let his play do it for him, I envision another 100 catch season, easy.
We don't play the Steelers in 2009? What's up with that? Disappointing.
Welker's a true pro who let's his play and work ethic speak volumes. Go, Pats, go!
Oh, We will play them, Marima.
Turk, I wouldn't be surprised if the Steelers don't make the playoffs, or at least don't make it to the 2nd round. They had a great season last year...but that defense isn't getting any younger and that offense just isn't that good. Ben Roethlisberger MIGHT be a top 10 QB in the league (I'd say he's more "middle of the pack" 12-18th type guy)
Steelers don't play the Pats because the Pats didn't win the division. Steelers won their division so they play the other division winners, the AFC West, and the NFC North this year. Talking about how lousy the Steelers are is foolish. Just won the Superbowl in February, playing the most difficult schedule in the league. This year their schedule is supposed to be much easier. They still have to go and get it done, but there is every reason to think the Steelers will, at a minimum, make the playoffs. Pats fans need to worry about an improving AFC East and a QB whose knee might not be ready for a 16 game season (see Palmer, Carson - 2006)
Rob, You don't know what you're talking about. You shouldn't be commenting on the Steelers unless you know them really well.
Rob is your typical Patriot fan. Every team is suspect, but the Patriots are above
reproach.
Big Ben has better career numbers for wins than Brady. Has 1 fewer
Superbowls than T.B. Yet can not cack the top 10 as a quaterback.
I know things are different in Central MA. ,but they do have cable.
Maybe you should watch a few Pittsburgh games next year Rob.
I do agree the O-line was a weak spot. They lost their 2 starting guards (Faneca and Simmons). A year of experience may help the unit. The Patriots are not the only team to benifit from experience
Crazy enough that i picked Welker in the 3rd round of fantasy. He got my 5 point in the first game, when brady didnt go down yet.
This year. ill pick him again. He's a sleeper
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