Welker's Wembley wish

Welker: Wembley bound

And it's nice weather! Every time I've watched the game from past years it's been raining a lot and the field's been muddy so we feel lucky that the sun's out for us now.

Wes Welker
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A weary Wes Welker say jet-lag will not play a part in the outcome of Sunday's game against Tampa Bay at Wembley.

Welker and the New England Patriots stepped out onto the field at the Oval for their first practice on English soil, and they were taken aback by the size of the playing surface at Surrey's cricket ground.

Welker was obviously still feeling the effects of the long flight from Boston, but he brushed aside any doubts it would affect Sunday's game.

"It was a long flight, but we got some sleep and now we feel OK," said Welker. "This stadium is crazy, there's a lot of ground to cover so it's definitely unique.

"Coach talked to some experts to see how to go about the trip. Most guys had a little sleep on the plane, then we had a little rest once we got here so we're ready now to get on with practice.

"We tried and keep practice the same as much as possible. But as a team we've been on big trips like this before - we've been to the Super Bowl a couple of years ago and this is a similar experience."

Stadia

Welker is not well versed on Wembley, but does know it will be an experience, while the British weather had a nice surprise for him as he arrived at the Oval.

"I know Wembley Stadium's pretty big, I know the grass is a little thicker and I know there will be no wind due to the roof being like it is," Welker added.

"And it's nice weather! Every time I've watched the game from past years it's been raining a lot and the field's been muddy so we feel lucky that the sun's out for us now."

Diminutive Texas Tech wideout Welker has had some injury worries this season, but looks to be getting back to his best - and having a fully fit Tom Brady throwing him the ball makes a huge difference."

"It feels really good to have Tom back especially the way he played last week. Having our leader back like that and our best player makes a big difference, so getting to work with him again and getting everything together has been great and it's something that's been missing.

"I had some bad luck at the start of the season but I'm feeling better each day. And I'm feeling much better than I did in the first quarter of the season, so hopefully that can continue throughout the rest of the season."