Welker is Tom Brady’s primary target. With 66 receptions for 960 yards through eight games, he is on pace to eclipse Jerry Rice’s NFL record for receiving yards (1,848) and finish just shy of Marvin Harrison’s NFL-record 143 receptions.
With the New England offense motored by the passing game, opponents are trying to make Welker’s time on the field physically miserable, and that isn’t likely to change tonight against the Jets.
“I think people are starting to notice that if you bang him around, his timing gets knocked off a little bit, and you add pressure to Brady also,’’ said Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie.
Hazards of job
There are downsides to being a slot receiver, and the pounding week after week tops the list, but it is part of the job, said former Jets receiver Wayne Chrebet. After 11 NFL seasons, Chrebet was forced to retire after suffering a serious concussion in 2005.
But what he loved about being a slot receiver was the contact and the adrenaline rush of trying to snag a pass over the middle and get up field without being caught.
“I think you need a different kind of personality,’’ Chrebet said. “I’m not saying it’s a huge difference from other players but you have to have a screw loose a little bit to go over the middle. I think Wes is like me in that you enjoy it.’’
But Chrebet added, “It’s not great for career longevity.’’
Welker is feeling the effects of increased attention week after week. Against the Steelers, safety Troy Polamalu tackled Welker by grabbing the receiver’s helmet and twisting his head. The play didn’t result in a flag or a fine for Polamalu, but Welker was left with a neck injury.
Seven days later, Welker was back on the field against the Giants. This time, he was clobbered by a hit he later said knocked the wind out of him. The past week, he has been limited at practice with a rib injury.
