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.
The video of both plays is available on this thread, or on links here.
Edelman didn’t hit helmet to helmet, nor did he target the guys head. He was blocking for a receiver running with the ball.
Welker didn’t hit helmet to helmet, nor did he target the guys head. He was also blocking for a receiver downfield.
But there was a difference - Welker wasn’t blocking for a ball carrier, but an eligible receiver who had not yet caught the ball. Why didn’t he catch the ball? Welkers pick had him so wide open...but watch the replay. The other receiver knew he had to cross so close to Wes that the guy was watching Wes and not the ball.
Really not that hard to see. Welker had a job on that play, and he did what he was supposed to do. Manning was late with the ball, and his delay put Welkers actions outside the rules. It happened fast, and the refs missed the call.
Instead of admitting it, some have gone to great lengths to compare it to a legal play. Doesn’t change the fact that it was an illegal pick.