On the Patriots’ first drive of the second half Tom Brady, working out of the no-huddle, looked to Welker on four of the first five plays, and he caught all four (Welker was targeted 11 times yesterday and caught every one) for 34 yards.
New England went on to score and take a 24-3 lead.
“We were able to kind of take advantage of going fast and have them line up in a lot of zone,’’ Welker said. “They were trying to get lined up more than anything. It was a matter of spacing and Tom finding the open guy and moving the ball down the field that way.’’
New England opened a 31-3 lead by the end of the third quarter, though Welker didn’t play a role in the final touchdown drive.
Like many of his teammates, Welker was concerned with the team’s poor play in the fourth quarter.
“We were able to get a good lead. From there we have to finish a lot better than we have been the past few weeks,’’ Welker said. “I’m sure that’s going to be a huge emphasis by coach [ Bill Belichick] and something we have to do.
“If we don’t play four quarters, we’re not going to end up in the situation we want to be in. We have to fight on through and convert on third downs, move the ball down the field, and ultimately score.’’
Yesterday was the 13th time Welker has registered 10 or more catches in a game.
Hall of Famer Jerry Rice is the all-time leader with 17 such games.
With 1,253 yards, Welker already has the fifth-best season in franchise history. At his current rate, he’ll break Randy Moss’s team record of 1,493 set in 2007.
Fan appreciation
Colts quarterback Peyton Manning signed autographs and shook hands before the game. Manning, who hasn’t played this season because of a neck injury, was grateful for the reception he received from Patriots fans.
“These Patriots fans, who obviously while I’m playing through the years, like good fans, they make it tough on the opposing quarterback,’’ he said. “But they were sincere about, ‘Hey, I hope you get back. We miss seeing you out there. Sorry you’re not playing this game.’ So it was classy. I was real appreciative.’’
