“It’s a play I never drop, I always make. Most critical situation, and I let the team down,’’ Welker said after the game, eyes red and swelling with tears.
Welker was in no mood to discuss, or likely even contemplate, whether he’s played his last game for the Patriots. After five seasons with the team he’s about to become a free agent, but the Patriots could either place the franchise tag on him (which would keep Welker with the team next season), or reach an agreement on a contract extension. Welker has said he’d like to return, and owner Robert Kraft said the team wants him back.
That sort of business can be taken care of at a later date. For now, Welker seemed consumed with the one that got away. The pass, and the game.
“It’s one that will take a while to shake off,’’ he said. “That’s for sure.’’
Model of efficiency
Brady’s wife, supermodel Gisele Bundchen, has had a difficult time staying out of the news in the days surrounding the game. An e-mail she sent to friends and family members before the Super Bowl surfaced asking for prayers and well-wishes for the Patriots’ quarterback. Now, comments she made following the loss take a few shots at the men her husband was throwing the football to. Welker might have had the Patriots’ most damaging drop, but he wasn’t the only one; Aaron Hernandez and Deion Branch also had key passes fall to the turf.
“You have to catch the ball when you’re supposed to catch the ball. My husband cannot [expletive] throw the ball and catch the ball at the same time,’’ Bundchen said in response to taunts directed at her from Giants fans after the game. “I can’t believe they dropped the ball so many times.’’
Broken record?
