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With Wes Welker being in the news again (as a kicking options for the currently-kicker-less Patriots) I took it upon myself to go back and reminisce about the first time I discovered Wes Welker: his first NFL game against the New England Patriots.

Welker was an undrafted free agent out of college, and signed with the Dolphins in 2004. In week 5 of the 2004 season, the winless Miami Dolphins (0-5) travelled to New England to face the undefeated Patriots. Just before game time it was announced that Dolphins kicker Olindo Mare was a late scratch with a calf injury.

• Read more about Wes Welker's first ever NFL score is not what you'd think

There's been a lot of debate lately about the proficiency of the AFC East, which we've already addressed in detail. But one piece was missing from the whole thing that I felt necessitated its own attention.

• Read more about What Does the AFC East Look Like if the Patriots Weren't a Dynasty?

Much has been made of how the Patriots will often use historical wrinkles in their game plan to show new things to opposing teams. Whether it be messing with the eligible linemen to get his receivers open (hi, Jim Harbaugh!) or just recalling a specific run play from 1959, Bill Belichick uses his vast knowledge to help gain the edge. 

• Read more about The Evolution of a Play

In the 20 years since Bill Belichick took over as coach of the New England Patriots, the team has gone on an incredible run. From 2000-2019 they did not have a losing record against any team in the NFL. In fact outside of the Panthers (3-3), they have a winning record against every other team.

• Read more about The Myth of the "Easy" AFC East