I don't think that folks are complaining about the actual hit, just the fact that the ball had not yet gotten to the receiver, and it was an illegal pick. Guys hit other guys with shoulders all the time in football, and it is legal (like Edelman's). But not down field, while the ball is in the air, and picking the guy trying to play defense on the receiver.
I disagree. If Belichick’s player doesn’t get hurt on the play, he wouldn’t be crying about the next day. As for the timing of the hit, Edelman’s was cleaner than Welker’s but as for delivering a cheap shot (if that’s Belichick’s complaint), Edelman’s was worse because he’s clearly driving his shoulder up high on Rodgers-Cromartie while Welker’s was hitting the midsection which is where you’re supposed to hit the guy.
Plus a 5-8 receiver with two recent concussions is not the guy anyone would choose to take an opposing player out of the game.