New England Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker addresses the media during his press conference at Gillette Stadium on January 15, 2008.
Q: Can you give your thoughts on San Diego's defense?
WW: They're a very athletic group. They run around the football really well [and] get to the quarterback really well. They have big, fast, strong defensive backs and we're definitely going to have our hands full with all of them.
Q: It seems like Antonio Cromartie has made a huge difference there with his play-making. Can you see that on film?
WW: He's definitely a great player back there. He has great ball skills, he's really fast and he's done a great job of shutting some guys down. He's a ball hawk and he's definitely making a lot of plays out there for them.
Q: Does the cold weather on Sunday present any special challenges?
WW: I don't think so. We've had some practices where it's been pretty cold and we've gotten some work in those areas, so we just have to make sure we're out there focusing and looking the ball in, and make sure we're securing it.
Q: How much pride do you take in the fact that you guys have the fewest interceptions in the league this year?
WW: I think as far as the season goes, it's something that we wanted to be good at this year and we were able to do it. We just have to keep it going throughout the playoffs.
Q: As far as Tom Brady and his interception rate, what makes him so good about avoiding interceptions? Is it that he's throwing it to places where only you guys can get the ball?
WW: He's a smart player. He knows the defenses, he knows where guys are going to be and if we're not in the right place he's going to let us know about it and make sure we're hitting on all cylinders and making things happen.
Q: What do you see about them that caused them to be so good at forcing turnovers?
WW: They're a physical group and they have a great rush. Their front seven is one of the best out there and on top of that they have defensive backs who get around the football really well and know that they're going to get a good rush, know they're going to be able to make some plays on the ball and do a great job of doing that.
Q: Considering where you were at this time last year, what does it mean to you to be in a game to get to the Super Bowl?
WW: You know, I really don't think about that too much. I'm just kind of concentrating on where we're at right now and trying to focus on getting ready for this week and making sure I'm doing everything I can to prepare in that regard.
Q: The fans and media nationally are surprised it's not the Colts this weekend, but listening to you guys and the coach, you guys aren't surprised that the Chargers beat Indianapolis, are you?
WW: No, not at all. They've been the best football team, especially this latter part of the season and they've done a great job of winning some games. They've blown a lot of people out, especially later on in the season, so they're playing their best football right now and that's what you have to do, especially in this league, is play well in December and January.
Q: They are different from the last time you faced them, but how are you guys different? How have you grown as a team?
WW: I think as the season goes on you get more acclimated to the offense or defense or whatever side of the ball you're playing and you just make sure you're getting better. That's what it's all about. I think every player on every team gets better as the season goes on and hopefully that's enough for us to be able to come and play well this Sunday.
Q: You played with him in Miami. What can you tell us about Chris Chambers and what he brings to their offense?
WW: Chris is an extreme talent. He goes up and gets the ball really well. He's going to be ready to play. He's definitely a force, he has great feet, great hands and [is] a great guy. He's going to do a great job for them and I know we're going to definitely have our hands full with him.
Q: How did you spend yesterday? Were you here working out?
WW: How did I spend yesterday? Actually, I was snowed in, so I was back at my house just relaxing and trying to get the body feeling right and get ready to go.
Q: How important is it at this time of year to have those days to have just to yourself?
WW: I think it's pretty important. Any time you can kind of get away a little bit and just kind of relax and turn off ESPN and everything else - Just kind of chill out and just get away from it all and watch a movie or something, it's good to have. [It's] good mentally, really.
Q: The Patriots gave up more to get you than they did Randy Moss - and rightfully so.
WW: You'd be the only person to say that, probably.
Q: The perception of Randy and what you had heard, to a guy who's happy to get one catch and be able to go to the AFC Championship -- Can you talk about that?
WW: Randy's a complete team player. He understands the game, he understands coverages, he understands everything going on out there and he passes that wisdom down to us. I think he wants everybody to do well. He wants everybody to make plays. It's less plays that he has to make, when everybody else is. Plus, I think it will open up him whenever other guys are making plays. They can't put a safety over the top of him all the time when other guys are out there doing some good things out there.
Q: Did you wonder about what he was like when you got him, given the reputation he had?
WW: I mean, I wasn't trying to pass judgment on anything. You hear what you hear and what the media kind of puts out there, so you don't really know. As I've gotten to know him, he's been nothing but a great teammate and a great player for us, and he continues to do a great job and continues to want to get better and do great things for the organization, for the team.
Q: How would you describe Tom Brady's leadership out on the field?
WW: I don't know, perfect? The guy - In everything he does, it's to perfection and he kind of holds everybody else to that standard just by the way he works hard and the way he goes and prepares for games. He makes sure that everybody else is pulling their own weight and he does a great job of pulling everybody together and making sure we're all doing the right things out there.
