"Tom Brady called Wes Welker the "heart and soul" of the Patriots after the 5-foot-9 wide receiver caught nine passes for 158 yards and a touchdown in New England's 31-19 win over the Raiders on Sunday.

Welker continued his torrid start this season. Last week, he had 16 catches for a team-record 217 yards against Buffalo. With 40 receptions for 616 yards through four games, he is on pace for 160 catches and more than 2,400 yards.

"He's been that way since the day he got here; he works his tail off," Brady said. "He's a great player, great teammate. He's really become a real dynamic player over the years.""