New England Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker is one of Tom Brady’s most reliable targets and an important cog in the Patriots offense. Without Welker, it is safe to say that the Patriots would not find the same success moving the ball that they currently do.
However, is Welker really an elite receiver or is this just a case of being the perfect fit for the system?
Of Welker’s 554 career receptions, just 11 have been thrown for 20 yards or more. There is no denying that he is an effective slot receiver — and one of the best in the game — but Welker is athletically limited and that stops him from being an all-around receiver that can completely change the game.
Welker does help the Patriots move the ball and he is important to the offense, but he isn’t a game-changer. He is just a reliable guy that can move the chains, but does that qualify as elite?
Prior to his time with the Patriots, Welker had only 96 catches for 1,121 yards and one touchdown. As soon as Welker arrived in New England, it all changed. Tom Brady found him underneath defenses and found a trusty wideout that would come up with all the catches — except for that one crucial play in Super Bowl XLVI.
It is not meant to be a slight on Welker, but he just is not an elite receiver and has benefited from playing with a Tom Brady and the Patriots system.
Is it fair to point out that Welker is a product of the system or is it a completely false statement? Do you feel Welker is truly elite or has he benefited from the perfect system? Be sure to vote in the poll below and sound off in the comments section to let your opinion be heard.
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