Tom Brady on Wes Welker: He's 'what quarterbacks dream about'

Tom Brady is Wes Welker's biggest fan. How could he not be? (US Presswire)

Tom Brady can't get enough of Wes Welker. How could he?

Over the last five years, there hasn't been a more consistent receiver in the NFL, and, if the Patriots decide to keep the slot receiver around after this season, Welker and Brady may one day compile the numbers and accomplishments needed to be considered one of the game's best quarterback-wide receiver duos. Or, at the very least, one of its most efficient one-two punches.

So it makes sense that Brady is Welker's biggest fan. He's thrown nearly 550 passes Welker's direction since the 2009 season, with only four of those going for interceptions. That kind of production has helped Welker gain Brady's full trust -- not an easy thing to do -- and has him on pace for his fifth 100-catch season.

When asked about that connection and Welker's worth ethic, Brady let his feelings for his sidekick be known.

“It's not only Sunday,” Brady said. “It's Wednesday, Thursday and Friday for him, too. I think that's the exceptional part -- how he takes care of himself. Wes loves to play football. There's nothing more important in Wes' life than being a football player, and thinking about football, and making the big play, and running the right route and getting open when it's most important. That's what quarterbacks dream about, too, having receivers that do that.

“Wes is everything you look for in his ability -- not only when he catches the ball to be an important part of the play, but also on plays when other guys are supposed to get the ball, he busts his butt harder than anybody to make sure he's doing his job to clear out on a certain route or to take some coverage with him so another guy can get the ball. I think that's what makes Wes really special -- his selflessness as a player. But the ball always seems to find a way to him.”

Nick Underhill covers the Patriots for MassLive.com. Follow him on Twitter@CBSPats or @Nick_Underhill.