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Patriots’ Super Bowl Hopes Will Not Disappear Along With Wes Welker (Podcast)

The landscape of the Patriots’ offense changed in one fell swoop on Wednesday.

Wes Welker will no longer be on the receiving end of passes from Tom Brady, instead Peyton Manning will be slinging him bullets over the middle in Denver. His departure is a tough pill to swallow for loyal Patriots fans who have enjoyed his production over the past six seasons, but don’t think Welker will be taking the Patriots’ Super Bowl hopes along with him.

Sure, the Patriots have been extremely competitive over the past six seasons and Welker played a big role in both of their Super Bowl appearances. But his presence on the field isn’t indicative of the Patriots’ success, it is merely a contributing factor.

The Patriots’ championship hopes are contingent on the brilliance of Brady and Bill Belichick and the willingness of owner Robert Kraft to spend in order to win. So, while losing Welker will hurt, thinking the Patriots are in serious trouble without him is a major misstep.

With all the of the controversy surrounding this story 0ver the past 12 months, extending into the last few days, there is a lot to consider about the Patriots’ future at wide receiver.

So, NESN.com NFL writer Luke Hughes joined Doug Kyed on the podcast as the news about Welker began to break. The two did their best to break it all down and hit on all the potential toys — including Danny Amendola — Brady could be throwing to next season.

Listen up and see what this episode of The Gunslingers podcast has in store.

Have a question for Luke Hughes? Send it to him via Twitter at @LukeFHughes or send it here.