The New England Patriots could only watch as their hopes for a long playoff run may have been dashed when Wes Welker crumbled to the turf with a torn ACL and MCL against the Houston Texans this past Sunday.

Welker, in my opinion, is one of the top 5 receivers in the league, and is the security blanket for Tom Brady and the rest of the Patriots.

At the time of his injury, Welker had amassed 123 receptions for 1348 yards and 4 touchdowns.

Welker will be replaced in the lineup by former Kent State quarterback Julian Edelman (37 receptions for 359 yards and 1TD) for Sundays' playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens.

The Patriots were already fighting an uphill battle in facing the no longer great, but still quite formidable, Ravens defense, and although Edelman looks like a fine young receiver, I don't like the Pats' chances without Welker.