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January 13, 2008

Welker Rises To First Playoff Challenge

By ROBERT LEE
Journal Sports Writer

FOXBORO – Wes Welker made his first playoff appearance a memorable one.

Welker led the Patriot receivers with a game-high nine catches for 54 yards and a touchdown.

His touchdown catch came on a trick play. On a first-and-goal from the Jacksonville six, Tom Brady jumped and raised his empty right arm in the air, making it appear as if Faulk had taken a direct snap.

Brady was hiding the ball in his left hand. Then, he switched to his right and found Welker in the back of the end zone which gave the Patriots the lead for good, 21-14, at 8:49 of the third quarter.

“I don’t know what you would call it but it was a play we felt we could take advantage of because of the aggressive plays by their safeties,” Welker said. “I was able to get behind them and Tom Brady was able to find me for the score.”

Welker said that the atmosphere of his first playoff game was intense.

“There was more intensity out there and focus and it took a couple of series to settle down,” said Welker, who did not get his first catch until the second quarter. “In the end we were able to put our execution together and were able to come up with some plays.”

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