And just like that, Wes Welker is second in the NFL in receptions. He's seventh in total targets (only five out of second place). He's once again established himself as Tom Brady's favorite receiver and helped restore order to the Patriots offense.
Then he did this, and in the process turned that entire first paragraph into a secondary storyline on this Monday afternoon.
I know a lot of people out there are angry that Welker's quote"Yeah, it's kind of nice to stick it in Bill's face once in a while."is a story at all. They think that this post, and everything like it is just "media generated nonsense," "an insult to journalism" and every other complaint that we hear every time something like this makes headlines.
And there's some validity to that.
Obviously, if Welker had said what he said last night, and then no one in the media mentioned it again, there wouldn't be an issue. But come on, that's not reality. You know that. And more importantly, Welker knows that. When he makes a joke at his coach's expenseespecially after all that's happened between them over the first month of the seasonhe knows what's going to happen. He's well aware that the media will run with it, strangle it and beat it into the ground until another storyline presents itself.
But who cares about the media, the bigger question is: What does Belichick think?
Naturally, he was asked about the comments during today's press conference, and as he was, part of me hoped that the coach would just shrug it off. It's rare that Belichick shows his sense of humor during the season, but he's know to deliver a good jab. And this was the perfect opportunity:
New England Patriots
"Hey, coach. Any comment on what Wes said last night on TV?"
"Yeah, yeah. I saw it. He might want to go back and have those hair plugs loosened. I think it's cutting off the circulation to his brain."
Everyone would have laughed. We all could have moved on.
Instead, Belichick claimed that he didn't "really see the comment," and then added the dreaded: "You should ask him what he meant by it."
That's Belispeak for: "I know exactly what you're talking about, but you're crazy if you think I'm sharing my thoughts with you guys. Why don't you go ask Wes, I've already instructed him how to answer."
And here's hoping Welker follows orders, there are no further disciplinary actions and this whole story flies away. There's too much other positive Welker conversation that should be occupying our attention.
Rich can be reached at rlevine@comcastsportsnet.com. Follow Rich on Twitter at http:twitter.comrich_levine