"In late January, Wes Welker sat in an airport in San Francisco en route to the Pro Bowl in Honolulu, and reflected on his comeback season from reconstructive knee surgery.

He spoke of being disappointed by his performance and how nothing he had done on the field would "warrant" getting a new deal from the Patriots. He also spoke of being driven to do better and vowed to make that happen.

At the time, it didn't seem like lip service. If you know anything about Welker, he meant it. He would come back better than before, no matter how much work it took.

Well, judging by how he's performed at training camp thus far, he's made good on his word. Welker's trademark quickness has returned, and he's gained back that step that was missing last season.

In short, he's been awesome.

"This is the best I've felt in my career," he told reporters following yesterday's indoor practice. "I think just my knowledge of the game, and being able to be healthy, I think it's helped, and hopefully it'll keep improving and I'll keep getting better as the year moves on."

Now, Welker is 30 years old. Perhaps recapturing that zip and elusiveness has made him a little giddy.

Really, is this truly the best he's felt in his career?

"Yeah, that's my honest opinion. That's honestly how I feel," he said. "I feel like I've worked hard, and I think as long as you're working hard and getting better on a daily basis, there's no telling where the curve is as far as the back side of your career or anything else. So for me, I still feel like I'm in my prime."

Watching him, not many would argue with that assessment. While everyone has been talking about the newly acquired Chad Ochocinco and the emergence of Taylor Price, Welker quietly has put on a slot receiver clinic during camp. No one has been able to cover him during the padded sessions."