Words with Frenz AFC East Mailbag: Patriots Unhappy with Wes Welker's Comments

With no more big events between now and the start of the 2012 NFL season, the focus will be heavy on what few newsworthy stories remain. This mailbag is a reflection of that reality.

Thanks to everyone who asked questions, and any further questions can be sent to me anytime, any day on Twitter.

Let's open it up.

"

@ErikFrenz #Words with Frenzthe big chat this wk is the Welker contract, do you think his contract gets done sooner, later or not at all

— Steve Balestrieri (@SteveB7SFG) May 18, 2012"

Well, it's been getting uglier recently, and now, that ugliness looks a lot like Shrek. It's a big green ogre that's pretty hard to ignore.

And now, the Patriots are reportedly not pleased with his comments. According to Shalise Manza Young of The Boston Globe:

"

According to a team source, Welker’s decision to go public in recent weeks about negotiations has not gone over well with the Patriots; two weeks ago, when he made appearances on various ESPN programs, he made reference to holding out at least through full-team minicamp next month. His words have only increased the chances that 2012 will be his final season with the team.

"

So there you have it.

We've seen mixed results from the Patriots with the franchise tag in the past, but when the player takes to the media to voice their frustrations, the results are pretty consistent: Deion Branch, Asante Samuel, Richard Seymour and Randy Moss were all gone because they couldn't keep their dirty laundry out of the media.

Logan Mankins is the lone survivor of what has recently been a kiss of death: taking to the media to air grievances with contract negotiations.

It's hard to imagine Wes Welker suiting up for anyone but the Patriots, but that may be the reality at the end of 2012.

"

@ErikFrenz My question to you is: Is Wes Welker crazy? We've seen this movie before and taking negotiations with the Pats public NEVER works

— TraderX (@FantasyTrade411) May 18, 2012"

Well, he was crazy if he thought the comments would go over well with the Patriots front office, and even crazier if he thought they would do get the two sides any closer to a deal. 

That being said, I understand his frustrations. Five years of putting his body on the line, making difficult catches in heavy traffic, setting the standard for slot receivers in the present-day NFL, and everything Welker has done for the team make him more than deserving of a long-term deal.

But with things getting uglier by the day, it wouldn't surprise me in the least if that long-term deal came somewhere besides New England.

"

@ErikFrenz Sorry mistyped.... Will the Jets defense be one of the top 3 defenses in the league this up coming season?

— JetsNews94 (@Jetsnews94) May 18, 2012"

It's tough to say for sure, only because their struggles last year weren't so much their own doing as they were the doing of poor field position.

A team doesn't rank fourth in yards and 16th in scoring on defense by coincidence; the turnovers and bad field position given to the defense by the Jets offense was part to blame for their struggles last year. They coughed up 34 turnovers (fourth most in the NFL), and were minus-three in turnovers despite ranking fifth in the NFL with 31 defensive TO. That's on the offense.

Not only is it up to the offense to hold up its end of the bargain, but the defense has to stay healthy and get better play from their depth.

The defense is still a top-heavy unit, but added some solid players at positions of need through the draft. Josh Bush and Antonio Allen could provide the depth they need at safety, and they'll have to hope that's the case if the injury-prone LaRon Landry goes down. They still lack depth at linebacker, but Demario Davis gives them at least one player they can count on for depth.

The Jets defense has been in somewhat of a decline for a few years, though, and it has a bit to do with age. Even if it is a top-three unit in 2012, they'll need to develop that farm system sooner than later.

"

@ErikFrenz I'll alter my original one then. What is a realistic expectation for Gilmore as a rookie?

— Cian Fahey (@Cianaf) May 18, 2012"

Well, we've touched on this before and while I think he certainly could be a key component to the defense, I wouldn't count on it as a rookie. He'll play in a lot of games and probably get a good amount of starts in a secondary that lacks top-end talent in a bad way, but to expect a shutdown presence from Gilmore as a rookie is a bit much.

He's a standout zone defensive back, but could have a tough time in man coverage. That's why I think Jairus Byrd will be a huge part of the Bills' defensive success or struggle in 2012. They'll be relying on his ability to communicate responsibilities to the rest of the defensive backs as well as to provide a presence as a center fielder that gives the cornerbacks the confidence they need.

With such a young secondary, though, it will be up to the revamped front four to get pressure on the quarterback and force hurried or off-target throws to give the youngsters a chance to make plays.

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@ErikFrenz Thoughts on Dorin Dickerson?

— Del (@mrdeadlier) May 18, 2012"

Ah, Dorin Dickerson. I had a feeling he would be a topic at some point. He was very quiet for the Pittsburgh Panthers in his first three years at college, but had a breakout senior year with 49 receptions for 529 yards and 10 touchdowns. Since then, it's been downhill for Dorin.

He was drafted in the seventh round in 2010, he's been with four teams in two years, he hasn't caught a single pass in his NFL career, and he reportedly quit on the Steelers after just one day.

My thoughts: Don't expect much.

If he can find a niche in the Bills' offense and if they utilize him enough, he could turn heads and turn the tide on his career. The Bills seem devoted to that short and intermediate passing game, having failed to truly address their need for a deep threat this offseason. If Dickerson can thrive in a role similar to Aaron Hernandez's with the Patriots, this could be a good match.

At this point, though, a big year from Dickerson would come as a surprise.

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@ErikFrenz if fitz goes down late season, and VY plays lights out and leads us into the playoffs, is that the end of fitz? (Fitz supporter)

— Twan (@TWAN_585) May 18, 2012"

That depends on how Fitzpatrick plays up to that point.

Say what you will about his injuries last season and how much of an impact that had on his performance. It's worth mentioning, though, that Fitzpatrick has never had a solid season from start to finish. Yes, he played incredibly well in the first seven games before injuries crippled the offense, the offensive line and Fitzpatrick himself, but he also has to prove that the first half of the season wasn't a fluke.

If he plays well, then gets injured, I would assume the starting job would be his upon his return (unless Vince Young plays well). If he struggles, though, there's no reason the Bills shouldn't give Young a try as the starter. He has started in the past, and although he has sporadic success, he has led a team to the playoffs before—something Fitzpatrick has never done.

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@ErikFrenz Do you think we will come out of the AFC East? & How well is SANCHEZ really handling TEBOWMANIA?

— cory booker (@rdcassell) May 18, 2012"

I still think the Patriots are the top dogs in the AFC East, and while the Jets could be in contention for a wild-card spot, they'll also have to deal with the up-and-coming Bills, who have the look of a 2012 playoff team.

I'm not in the business of psychoanalysis, but I will say that amid the chaos of Tebowmania, Sanchez has been quiet all the while. Jets fans can only hope that means he's focusing harder than ever on being the best player he can be, and not that he's been pigeon-holed by the consistent attention to Tebow.

Alright guys, that's all I have this week. Thanks for your questions, and any other questions can be sent my way on Twitter.

Follow @ErikFrenz.