New England Patriots: Wes Welker's Snap Count Down in Week 1, But It's Not a Sign of Diminished Role in Offense

By Alek Frost
Senior Writer

According to ESPN Boston’s Mike Reiss, Wes Welker‘s snap count was down dramatically in the New England Patriots’ 34-13 victory over the Tennessee Titans Sunday.

Out of 67 total plays, Welker was on the field for 43 of them or 64.1 percent of the snaps. In 2011, Welker was a participant in 89.2 percent of the Patriots’ offensive plays, so Sunday’s count could be a little alarming for fantasy owners everywhere.

Welker split time with Julian Edelman during the game, something that is far less likely to happen as the season progresses. In addition, Welker just wasn’t very effective in Week 1, recording just three catches for 14 yards.

Couple his performance with a blowout victory and it wouldn’t be illogical to consider Welker’s low snap count was due more to the situation, than offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels‘ game plan from the start.

For conspiracy theorists who may link Welker’s contract situation to the way he was used in Week 1, just don’t. If there’s one thing head coach Bill Belichick isn’t going to do, it’s keeping his best players off the field and out of the game plan, to save money.

Belichick has two prime objectives going into any given contest; he wants to win and he wants to improve in every facet of the game, so he can continue to win. Welker is the best receiver on this team and until this occurrence becomes a trend, don’t read too much into it. Fantasy owners can breathe a sigh of relief, Welker just had a bad week.

Follow Alek on Twitter: @Alek_Frost

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