Patriots Welker Feeling 'Best I've Felt In My Career'
FOXBORO (CBS) – New England Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker is feeling good. Very good.
"This is the best I've felt in my career," said Welker on Monday. "Just my knowledge of the game and being healthy, I think it's really helped. Hopefully I'll keep on improving and keep getting better as the year goes on."
A year ago at this time, Welker was coming back from a torn ACL and MCL in his left knee. While many expected him to miss part of the 2010 season, he started things off with a two touchdown afternoon in the Patriots opener against the Cincinnatti Bengals.
He put up good numbers during the season, but they were not what New England has become used to from Welker. He caught seven touchdowns, a new career-high with the Pats, but 2010 was his first season in New England with less than 100 catches and under 1,100 yards (he had 86 receptions for 848 yards). Welker was a regular on the field, but did not have his usual speed and explosiveness.
As this season inches closer, that appears to be back.
"It looks like his quickness level, he's regained some of that relative to where it was," said Patriots Director of Player Personnel Nick Cassario, noting that Welker has had a "strong" training camp. "Wes works hard, he's been a productive player and he just looks confident. He just sort of catches your eye a little bit. He's done some things that look real good."
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"I feel like I've gained a step from two years ago," said Welker. "This is the best I've felt in a long time. I just want to continue to play well, continue to get better, and do the things that help the team win."
At 30, Welker says father time has not yet caught up with him. Another year away from surgery, he is back to his old self and feeling better than ever.
"That's my honest opinion, that's honestly how I feel," he said. "I feel like I've worked hard. As long as you're working hard and getting better on a daily basis, there is no telling where the curve is as far as the back side of your career. I feel like I'm still in my prime."
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Welker is in the final year of his current deal with New England and primed to make some big money next offseason. He would love to stay a Patriot, but will not let that take away from his play on the field in 2011.
"I'm just concentrating on the here and now, whatever I can do to help the team win," said the three-time Pro Bowler. "I love playing on this team and I enjoy every day I'm out here. I'm going to let my play take care of everything else."
