Why was Wes Welker's playing time limited Sunday?

[PatsFans.com Article]

Why was Wes Welker's playing time limited Sunday?
By: Ryan Hannable

With Welker seeing considerably less action in Week 1 than last season many people have begin to wonder about where he stands and thrown around some theories as to why that is. This article says to take a step back and relax, it's just one game, a very sm...

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[Gumby]

Why was Wes Welker's playing time limited Sunday?
By: Ryan Hannable

With Welker seeing considerably less action in Week 1 than last season many people have begin to wonder about where he stands and thrown around some theories as to why that is. This article says to take a step back and relax, it's just one game, a very sm...

CLICK HERE TO READ THIS STORY​

NO, I refuse.

You just don't get it, do you. It is obvious, this is a Kraft directed plot to ensure that he can save salary next year. he told BB what to do because he is a CHEAP SOAG(un) I tell you!!!!!

And BB he just wants to save cap space, be able to say next year, 'see - I was right, he is old and not worht a 3-year deal', and also just to play his binkie edelman. He doesnt' care what the product on the field is, he just wants to get his cheap cost-efficient favorites out there.

This is the DOOM of TB as a pass-efficient passer I tell you. He will never spread the ball around without WW, and WW will be lucky to see a snap at all this year in the 3Q or 4Q.
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There, now that I got that off our collective chests; return to your normal patsfans banter.

 

[Avenger]

I think it is so Troy can enter the HOF with the record.

 

[DarrylS]

My guess is that it was just a game plan for Tenn. if it continues for 3 or 4 games then it may be a trend, but it could be as simple as BB & Coordinators want to throw off the next opponent, or felt he should have caught the ball or some complex scheme we know nothing about.

 

[shmessy]

Whooaa... Well here is an interesting possible twist from today' Reiss' mailbag:

New England Patriots Mailbag -- Keeping perspective on Wes Welker - ESPN Boston

"A. Dean, I'd put the Welker situation in the "something-to-monitor" category in the coming weeks. I think it's too early to make any definitive judgments, but I did find it notable that his playing time was reduced compared to what we saw on a consistent basis in 2011.

Something isn't adding up here, and if I had to make an educated guess, it is tied to what kept him out of practice in Tampa on Thursday, Aug. 23. Welker made the trip to Tampa, was suited up for a full-pads practice Aug. 22, and I think something happened that day.

Other reports have noted a personal issue Welker was dealing with kept him out of preseason action (a death in the family), and that might have been the case for the Eagles game, but I think that was separate from what went down in Tampa (my educated guess is a concussion). My sense is that the Patriots were easing Welker back into the mix on Sunday based on whatever went down in Tampa and how it affected Welker's preparation to assume a full-time load in the opener."

 

[Jackson 2]

So Michael Vulgar can do what Michael Vulgar does best - intentionally make stuff up and create a ratings-producing $hytstorm because he is incapable of conducting himself like a legitimate journalist.

 

[satz]

For the last few years the offence has run through Wes. I see a few weeks where he gets healthy and also defense stop putting there No 1 CB on WES as the outside gets important enough to defend.

can you image playing the jets and for 1st time in years Revis is not on Wes and its kyle wilson.

revis on brandon, cromatie on hernandaz and the double gronk giviing wes his matchup.

I am actually excited to see what wes does when he is not doubled or given the no 1 cb of every team he faces.
satz

 

[DarrylS]

For the last few years the offence has run through Wes. I see a few weeks where he gets healthy and also defense stop putting there No 1 CB on WES as the outside gets important enough to defend.

can you image playing the jets and for 1st time in years Revis is not on Wes and its kyle wilson.

revis on brandon, cromatie on hernandaz and the double gronk giviing wes his matchup.

I am actually excited to see what wes does when he is not doubled or given the no 1 cb of every team he faces.
satz

The classic "Ropa Dopa"... get him covered by the #2 corner or nickel back, then unleash the fury..

 

[12ClutchFactor]

Interesting, I'm trying to do some work at the same time, so bear with me, but I wonder when he suffered this supposed concussion? I didn't see where they mentioned it specifically. I must admit, when I first read the line, "something to keep an eye on" I thought that the writer was going to intimate that Welker was disgruntled, but glad to see that they didn't try to conjure that up.

Edit: Never mind, I see that they're speculating that it happened in one of those joint two team practices.

 

[satz]

The classic "Ropa Dopa"... get him covered by the #2 corner or nickel back, then unleash the fury..

Now that was funny. all i am saying is every coin has 2 sides.

 

[MoLewisrocks]

So Michael Vulgar can do what Michael Vulgar does best - intentionally make stuff up and create a ratings-producing $hytstorm because he is incapable of conducting himself like a legitmate journalist.

LOL They match him up with a moronic co host like Squeeky or Tanguay and guest hosts like Wiggy for a reason. Mike is totally ineffective when matched up with or against anyone intelligent.

Mike hasn't been a legit journalist (if he ever was - lost his first beat covering the Bruins for calling the team owner a liar) since the day he first guested on WEEI...and saw a future in radio and television that was way more lucrative than print.

 

[Deus Irae]

Whooaa... Well here is an interesting possible twist from today' Reiss' mailbag:

New England Patriots Mailbag -- Keeping perspective on Wes Welker - ESPN Boston

"A. Dean, I'd put the Welker situation in the "something-to-monitor" category in the coming weeks. I think it's too early to make any definitive judgments, but I did find it notable that his playing time was reduced compared to what we saw on a consistent basis in 2011.

Something isn't adding up here, and if I had to make an educated guess, it is tied to what kept him out of practice in Tampa on Thursday, Aug. 23. Welker made the trip to Tampa, was suited up for a full-pads practice Aug. 22, and I think something happened that day.

Other reports have noted a personal issue Welker was dealing with kept him out of preseason action (a death in the family), and that might have been the case for the Eagles game, but I think that was separate from what went down in Tampa (my educated guess is a concussion). My sense is that the Patriots were easing Welker back into the mix on Sunday based on whatever went down in Tampa and how it affected Welker's preparation to assume a full-time load in the opener."

Mr. Reiss stole my thunder.

 

[UK_Pat37]

I don't know if you should really be 'concerned' so to speak, but it is telling.

Edelman had a fair emount of reps on Sunday, taking them away from Wes. Considering we only played seven 3WR sets, he stole a good 16 reps and I think most, if not all, were off of Wes.

Way I see it, is they know they can get the production they need other than from the two TEs out of Lloyd....if Welker is indeed gone next year, it's about time Edelman started getting phased in more.

It wouldn't surprise me if that's the case.

 

[Jackson 2]

LOL They match him up with a moronic co host like Squeeky or Tanguay and guest hosts like Wiggy for a reason. Mike is totally ineffective when matched up with or against anyone intelligent.

Mike hasn't been a legit journalist (if he ever was - lost his first beat covering the Bruins for calling the team owner a liar) since the day he first guested on WEEI...and saw a future in radio and television that was way more lucrative than print.

Agreed. Just me, but I'd pay money to see/hear Kirk Minihane paired with him. Mikey would, in my opinion, receive a well-deserved ass-kicking.

 

[Brady_to_Moss]

The running game was on. They ran the ball what..30+ times yesterday?

 

[Keep Up With The Joneses]

I don't think there's much to see here. I don't believe BB would compromise his gameplan to see what life would be like without Welker. If there is an injury/concussion, we most likely will never know about it.

I think this is just like every other week. The gameplan/situation/guys covered vs open just added up to a slow week for Welker. Next week maybe it's Lloyd who has a smaller impact. With so many weapons, it's going to be different every week.

 

[DaBronxPats14]

Don't know if this was posted already but McDaniels sheds some light on this subject.

McDaniels talks Welker's role - New England Patriots Blog - ESPN Boston

 

[PatsBoy12]

Here's what Josh says:

McDaniels: Welker's role 'is the same'

EDIT: Sorry, DaBronx, seems like you beat me to it.

 

[Taxed in Maine]

I'm going with a far more sinister conspiracy theory...

Wes only needed 4 catches to pass TBrown as the Pats all time leader in receptions. Catching 3 passes he is now tied.

Maybe they want to break the record at home not in Tennessee???