Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Bill Belichick thinks Wes Welker is a good player

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Assuming he's healthy, Wes Welker will face his former team, the New England Patriots, for the first time since his not-so-warm departure when the Denver Broncos travel to Foxborough Sunday.

Welker didn't always tow the company line in New England, which was part of the reason the Patriots didn't re-sign the veteran wideout despite his leading the team in receiving the last six seasons.

That, and money.

Patriots coach Bill Belichick was asked Wednesday where he stands with Welker given all the two had been through for half a dozen years. Belichick gave a Belichick answer.

"Right now, we're really just focused on preparing for Denver," Belichick said, via Patriots.com. "What happened last year, five years ago, I don't think it has too much impact on anything right now; just trying to get ready for Denver. He's done a good job for them, he's a good player."

Earlier in the press conference, Belichick did offer a sliver more of analysis on how Welker has been used in the Broncos' offense thus far.

"He's in the slot more than 90 percent of the time," Belichick said.

 Welker has hauled in 61 receptions for 648 yards and nine touchdowns this season, but he's a major question mark for the starting lineup Sunday night, coming off a diagnosed concussion he sustained just days ago.

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