Fencer

Welker, IIRC, led the league in drops last year.
Faulk opened the season with a case of the dropsies, before getting hurt.

Coincidence, or something to do with other factors in the offense?

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jays52

Two players used to winning on footspeed losing it for different reasons. Balls that are usually uncontested become contested. Defenders get their hands on the ball or can grab arm and jersey to interrupt the catch.

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woolster22

This, and Welker gets targeted on quick routes (generally) and was coming off of a major injury with remarkable speed. Timing is going to be off. Welker was also targeted a lot over the past few years, it makes sense that he is going to drop "a lot" of balls compared to the wr's league wide. I'm not too worried about Welker, I wouldn't expect much improvement as far as seperation goes, but timing will be better, assuming he is working with Tf'nB and/or there is some sort of training camp.

On the other hand, I don't expect Faulk to be part of the team this year, barring some unexpected bs and rookies don't get signed. He has been a main-stay of this team for years, but is "long in tooth" and is coming off of injury. I expect a "forced" retirement towards the end of preseason (again, if there is one). Maybe he plays a few snaps early in the season and gets IR'ed (allowing him to collect another paycheck) before retiring at the end of the season.

Hopefully Tate/Price/FA to-be-named can get on Tf'nB's schedule and make an impact this season. With the lack of training camp and the assumed move to the run game, the passing game may very well take a bit of a back seat. We have a great TE group, and if the OL draftees pay off, along with Mankins sticking around, we will have one hell of a running game. I would not be surprised to see TB's passing stats drop with an improved defense and reliance on clock killing run-game in the shortened league year.

supafly

You make some good points, but I am not sure that I fully agree that the passing game 'may very well take a bit of a back seat.' I believe that they are looking for better balance, and more physicality, sure. And I also believe that Brady's stats will take a bit of a hit too. Where I am not sure, is if it makes sense to take the ball out of our biggest weapon? Especially when you factor in the fact that there WILL be more balance etc, which will only play to Brady's benefit even more. As far as the RB's go, I never really thought there was much choice in the matter personally. We had Fred Taylor, Sammy Morris, and Kevin Faulk on the RB depth chart. To me, it was more than apparent that there needed to be a couple of RB picks, although I certainly did not expect the back to back rounds, I figured a mid to later rd one would be in addition to an earlier one.

I think the same kind of goes with the influx of youth and depth on the O-line too. There were obviously some question marks with the Light, Mankins, Kaczur, and Neal situations---so I am not sure why anyone would be even remotely surprised at the drafting of a couple of solid, beefy O-line youngsters.

Like I said, Yes--I think there will be better balance, and hopefully more continued physicality, as I think that was certainly a goal with the TE's last yr. However, I do not expect as much of a 'change' as some here expect, and still think this offense focuses around our biggest weapon. I think the offense was slightly predictable in the running play area at times, and I believe that will be addressed. I also agree that we should be able to sustain some longer drives at times, and kill the clock a little better when needed. I also think that the offense was better balanced last yr with the TE's, and that's a lot closer to where we'll stay--as opposed to making more of a drastic change to a running game as some think. (Not saying that you said that, b/c you didn't, just that some here think we are moving to a ground and pound--and personally, I do not see that happening).

JoeSixPat

Aside from the fact that Welker is also likely the leader in most balls thrown his way, and the fact that his style - and job - is to be thinking about YAC in addition to making the catch - I can't think of any other factors.

Is this a surprise?

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randomk1

Welker has one of the best hands in the NFL but he did have some uncharacteristic drops. I'll give him a break because of the injury.

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Fencer

His right or his left?

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randomk1

I'm gonna say right,smartass.

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crowell33

Welker not only led the NFL in total dropped passed but finished #11 in the NFL in the worst percentage of balls caught. Just have to hope the injury was a big factor:

Drop Percentage: Wide Receivers | ProFootballFocus.com

patsfan-1982

he was being coverd by the outher teams #1 corner aftter Moss was traded and most of he's drops came late in the season when Brady was on a pace to brake the record for most pass att without a INT so im sure Brady throw a few uncatchable balls he's way.