FredFromDartmouth

I dislike the milquetoast squishy statements that are so in vogue lately. You guys would have me re-word it thus:

"All things being equal, although, of course, they never are, there is a higher probability, depending on various factors, some more important than other, that must be weighed in accordance to their relative merit, relevance, and applicability, that Welker could possibly, depending on his activity, usage, and route tree, re-injure his knee or possibly other joint if he was brought back sooner than advisable."

How's that sound? Am I making too bold a statement?

Do you guys want everyone to parrot the same mantra? Can't you allow a someone to express the other side? Screw it; he will get injured if does not go on PUP. I may be wrong but at least I am saying something. Maybe he will get injured in training camp for all I know but the Patriots are taking a huge risk. Even if he is not seriously injured, he could end up limping around like Mayo.

BelichickFan

Avoid being squishy all you want, you're just being stupid for making a statement of fact when you can't possibly know, one way or the other. I wouldn't expect anything different from you, you are what you are, but that statement is just dumb and ignorant even if it ends up happening.

Deus Irae

Your "week 1" prediction is looking pretty good right now. It's too early for attaboys, but you deserve at least the hat tip at this point, for how good your prediction is looking.

__________________
"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane."
- Marcus Aurelius

BelichickFan

As I've said before, it was less a prediction and more a statement that it was very possible. Braylon Edwards' timeline said so, as did Carson Palmer's. They showed it could be done barring setbacks - admittedly with different playing styles/positions but those two were also several years ago too, ACL rehab knowledge has improved since then.

IcyPatriot

Sounds like great news ...

I'm okay with it if Welker is not risking his career.

Love him as a player and he has the heart of a lion but is he really okay to play?

spacecrime

It isn't so black and white as that. It isn't all or nothing. We are talking percentages of the chance of re-injuring.

By the time TC starts, it will have been five months I think since his operation. Would you agree that the chance of re-injuring that knee by playing 22 games (preseason + 16 games + playoffs) on five months recuperation is greater than playing 9 games after eight months recuperation?


I have the highest respect for BB. I do not think he is an idiot. I thikn he is the greatest coach in the history of the NFL. I think he improved the Cleveland team and set the stage for the Ravens early success.

I have yet to complain about any draft pick he has made. The ones that didn't work out, like Chad Jackson, I give BB a pass on because it was the right move that didn't work out. But the decision was solid. Same with FA signings. Thomas turned out bad, but the decision with the data at the time was solid.

So I am not saying the Pats coaches are a bunch of idiots when I say I do not think Welker should start the season as is being reported. Not that I am in the category as FranticFred, but I think it is better for Welker not to start practicing and playing from the get-go.

He may be ready to play, but will the season take its toll? I want Welker in peak condition for the PLAYOFFS. What good is it to storm through the early games and lose one of the post season lose-and-go-home games?

If he doesn't practice in August or play in September and October, then two things occur:
1. his knee will get THREE more months to strengthen and stabilize, and the chance of injury late in the season is reduced.
2. He will be stronger and fresher in the playoffs.
3. (minor reason) Without Welker, Tate, Price and Hernadez get valuable reps in the early season (which is definitely slower paced than mid-season, late-season or plaoffs) that will be invaluable later in the season when things get hot.

Would you agree that Welker is more likely to be effective IN THE PLAYOFFS if he rests more in TC/early games and starts week 7 than he would by playing all 16 games + preseason?

I won't fuss if Welker starts (it isn't definite you know. BB hasn't said so. CBS radio did). I will trust that BB made the right decision using more and better information than I have. But I would much much rather that Welker not be in uniform during tc and go on pup.

__________________
“When we look at the board, based on everything we want in a football player at that particular time, we evaluate them and take the player that fits best for our football team. That’s what we always do, and I think the last nine years we’ve put a pretty competitive team out there on the field every year. I think that’s how you do it – you get good football players. Sometimes they are not always at the No. 1 position, but I don’t think you pass up good football players to get the guys who aren’t as good just because they’re at a position that somebody feels you need.”
BB on his draft philosophy, April 2010

FredFromDartmouth

Which prediction was that?

That the Patriots should consider drafting a CB as their first pick? You guys killed me on that before the draft.

That the turf at Gillette was causing injuries? I got killed on that. The Patriot so disagreed with me that they replaced the turf.

That Hernandez would be a star at least for the first part of the season. Hope this one works out.

At least I have the cajones to make predictions. Something you squishy guys are afraid to do but very willing to criticize me on.


Granted my prediction are not delivered with a lot of diplomacy....

The big question is why am I on the computer. To heck with it; I am going to take my son out to chase some striped bass.

Patspsycho

Are you expecting me to believe you actually read medical journals? The terminology is so technical that nobody except a doctor or at the very least, a grad med doing their residency, would be able to make heads or tails of it.

Patspsycho

I predicted he would start game one, and stated that I would be surprised if he started on PUP. I also said that he would get off to a slow, managed start (e.g. eased back in). Anyone expecting otherwise will be disappointed.

I believe he will see limited reps for at least the first game or the first few games.

BelichickFan

When did you say that ? You laughed at me for suggesting it, especially after word came out that Welker was also rehabbing his shoulder. I recall being told I know nothing.

Here we go. You seem to have predicted Welker would start Week 1 - in 2011 :

Good times, baby, good times.

Read the whole thread and then tell us how you predicted he's be back week one.

Welker has torn rotator cuff