FOXBORO -- Wes Welker extended his reception streak to 88 straight regular-season games on Monday night . . . but not until the Patriots' final drive.
Up to that point in the game, Welker had only had one pass thrown his way by Tom Brady and it seemed as if his streak was in jeopardy. But when the Pats got the ball back with 6:32 left in the fourth quarter at their own 38-yard line, Brady wasted no time finding Welker for a six-yard reception on second down and a 16-yarder on third down.
After New England's win, Welker admitted to having knowledge of the streak. But he said he was still more concerned about preserving the win.
"Yeah, I mean, I know about it," said Welker. "But it's not my emphasis every time I step out there on the field. I'm just trying to go out there and catch balls and help the team win the game.
"That's not really our deal around here. We're just trying to do what we can to move the ball down the field, and move the chains, and win the game."