The Patriots have announced that offensive lineman Matt Light and wide receiver Wes Welker have been added to the AFC Pro Bowl team, bringing the number of Patriots honored up to eight. This is the third selection in four years for Matt Light, and the third in three years for Welker,
Matt Light has been one of the mainstays of the Patriots’ offensive line for nearly a decade now. The squad has been enjoying two successful years, keeping Tom Brady amongst the least-sacked quarterbacks in the league after allowing Matt Cassell to top the list in 2008.
For Wes Welker, however, it’s been a down year. Coming off a devastating injury in Week 17 of 2009, the elusive slot receiver failed to make it to 100 catches for the first time in his Patriots career, and has seen a surprising increase in his drops. None of which changes the fact that in just 15 games, Welker picked up 86 catches (tied for sixth best in the NFL), 848 yards, and seven touchdowns.
Of course, with the 2011 Pro Bowl being played a week before the Super Bowl, both players are hoping they will be unable to attend.