The Patriots parted ways with Welker because they feel a slightly new direction for the offense is needed to win another Super Bowl. It’s definitely a road with more risk. The easiest thing in the world would have been to bring the ever-reliable Welker back and continue with the same offense, only with a better, younger and more explosive replacement for Brandon Lloyd as the boundary receiver. But sometimes you have to risk something to gain something. I think that’s what the Patriots believe. I don’t know this, but it’s been there on film all season. It was only reinforced with the loss to the Ravens in the AFC Championship. And I’m on board with it. Have been for a while.