New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick hasn't been one known for complaining, but his reasoning for losing both the game and his star wide-receiver to injury is a bit hysterical. Belichick blamed Welker's injury on the Reliant Field turf, the same home turf that the Houston Texans plan on 8 games a year. I find it a bit funny when the truth is Belichick had no business putting Welker out there on the field in the first place. Welker's injury is the exact reason why you don't take any chances leaving your star players in the game when you've already clinched a playoff spot.
Instead, the Patriots will be without their leading receiver in this week's playoff match-up against Baltimore. Welker left the game during the Patriots' first drive of the game in the first quarter with a torn MCL and ACL after trying to juke a defender. An injury that will keep him out for the remainder of the season and possibly all of next season depending on his recovery. Not only did the season pass before Welker's eyes, but I'm sure it left coach Belichick second guessing considering a key cog in his team's offense will no longer be available. Instead, wide-out Randy Moss will have a heavy load to carry in the passing game. Welker's speed will be the one thing missed most about his presence. His absence will allow someone else to step up, but they'll have some big shoes to fill.
Also worth mentioning, is that before leaving the game with an injury, Welker tied Herman Moore for the second-most receptions in a single NFL season (123). Welker's injury won't doom the team's chances completely, but it's certainly something that will be very hard to overcome.
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