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5 players who deserved to win a Super Bowl with Patriots but never did

By Andrew Desino

FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 20: Wes Welker #83 of the New England Patriots reacts after missing a catch against the Baltimore Ravens during the 2013 AFC Championship game at Gillette Stadium on January 20, 2013 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 20: Wes Welker #83 of the New England Patriots reacts after missing a catch against the Baltimore Ravens during the 2013 AFC Championship game at Gillette Stadium on January 20, 2013 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images) /
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FOXBORO, MA – JANUARY 20: Wes Welker #83 of the New England Patriots reacts after missing a catch against the Baltimore Ravens during the 2013 AFC Championship game at Gillette Stadium on January 20, 2013 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA – JANUARY 20: Wes Welker #83 of the New England Patriots reacts after missing a catch against the Baltimore Ravens during the 2013 AFC Championship game at Gillette Stadium on January 20, 2013 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images) /

Wes Welker was one of the best players in Patriots history

Wes Welker has the most catches in Patriots history with 672, and he is third on that list in terms of receiving yards. He led the league three times with receptions, all while he was in New England, and also tied the NFL record for the longest touchdown reception in history.

Welker came to New England after serving primarily as a special teamer and a third wide receiver in Miami. Right away, Welker jolted the Patriots offense and redefined the slot receiver position forever in the NFL.

With Tom Brady throwing Welker the football, they set records together. Welker’s productivity in New England paved way for slot receivers to get more attention from NFL teams; more notably in New England, Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola, who both don’t qualify for this list.

Welker forced teams to shy away from base defense and put “nickel” personnel onto the field — swapping a linebacker for an extra defensive back.

In Welker’s first year in New England, he went to the Super Bowl. Welker had a phenomenal game that day, catching 11 balls for over 100 yards. He couldn’t have done anything more to help the team win against the Giants that year.

However, the same cannot be said for Super Bowl 46. Some say Brady missed the throw, some say Welker dropped it. Regardless of opinion, Wes Welker had two hands on the pass that would’ve essentially iced the game for New England, giving Welker a ring.

However, we can’t hold one bad drop against Welker. But can we hold two against him?

In the AFC Championship Game the following year, Welker had a 3rd-down drop in the second half against Baltimore when New England was driving. That drop potentially cost New England from going up two scores on the Ravens and getting another chance at the Super Bowl.

Undoubtedly, we can thank Welker for all he has done in New England, and although I mention some shortcomings, I cannot take away from what should be a Hall of Fame career for Welker.

Deservingly, a ring should’ve been on Welker’s finger while he was in New England.

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