The fall of Wes Welker seems like its picking up speed. The All-Pro receiver has somehow lost the eye of coaches for the New England Patriots. Should the team trade him to a team like the Minnesota Vikings?
Welker can't rescue Tom Brady after Aaron Hernandez injury
No one ever thought they would see a Patriots offense under Tom Brady struggle against an inferior opponent. The last time the Arizona Cardinals went into Foxborough, they left after getting pounded 47-7. Five years seemed to do a lot to the Patriots who struggled in all aspects on offense. Brady got sacked four times, bringing the total to five in two games. That puts the team on pace for 40 by the end of the season. For idea why that is bad, Brady got sacked just 26 times the last time New England won a Super Bowl. Things are already off to a bad start. Not only did the line struggle, but the team watched Pro Bowl tight end Aaron Hernandez leave with an injured ankle. While replacing him shouldn't become a problem with the wealth of free agents they signed over the past month, the need for a steady line goes up week by week. If they can't find that formula on the roster, then Welker is the best chip they can play to find one. His late-game heroics couldn't save the Patriots, and his mysterious disappearance from the team game place is baffling fans and media.
Christian Ponder can't unlock Percy Harvin without a second threat
One team that would welcome him is the Minnesota Vikings. After an opening day win, their problems on offense came to the surface against the Indianapolis Colts. Adrian Peterson had no trouble running, but quarterback Christian Ponder quickly showed Minnesota didn't have many receiving targets outside of Percy Harvin. Free agent Jerome Simpson returns at the end of the month, but it's hard for the Vikings offense to build an explosive passing attack until they have a threat in the middle of the field. Welker would certainly take double teams away from Harvin, allowing the Pro Bowler to use his speed to get downfield and stretch the defense. This in turn would open holes for Peterson. In return, Minnesota spent the past few seasons rebuilding their offensive line. A player not many talk about is guard Charlie Johnson. Not only is he young but also versatile. With the Colts he played every line spot except center. Experts say he's improved very much since his rookie season. Together with a high draft pick, the Patriots could have interest in dealing Welker.
Wes Welker is valuable to the New England Patriots, but so is the health of Tom Brady. If the offensive line keeps struggling, then Welker may get sacrificed for help. The Minnesota Vikings are rebuilding but have enough trade bait to work a deal.
Photo Credit: KFFL
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