Daily Madden: Wes Walker's Controversial 'Pick Play' In AFC Title Game
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) — Denver Broncos receiver Wes Walker's vicious block on New England Patriots cornerback Aquib Talib in Sunday's AFC championship game did not appear to be designed to take out Talib as some have claimed, according to John Madden.
Welker and Thomas ran a scissor route where they crossed in the middle and Welker just lit up Talib. "He was intending to route him and that was the passing game in the NFL today. Again, if a guy is an opponent, he's a dirty player; If he's on your team, he's a tough guy. If it's your play, it's a rub; if it's the other team, it's a pick." Madden said.
Walker has said that he was trying to reroute Talib--the goal being to get Talib to go around him. Talib was injured on the play and did not return.
"The part that was deliberate was that it was a deliberate rub end or pick or whatever you want to call it. But being delivered as a hit to hurt someone? I don't believe that was true," Madden said.
"And Welker wouldn't be the guy. Heck, he's the smallest guy they have and he's coming off two concussions so you wouldn't send him out."
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