Welker on Belichick jab: 'It was a joke'

FOXBORO -- Speaking Monday at Gillette Stadium, Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker elaborated on his comment following Sunday's win that it was "nice to stick it in Bill [Belichick]'s face" with his 13-catch performance against the Broncos. 

"I mean, it was a joke," Welker said. "I don't know what else to say about it. It was a joke. Bill and I, whether y'all believe it or not, have a good relationship and it was a joke. I'll make sure to keep that in-house going forward."

Welker, who is playing this season under the franchise tag, said that given his situation it's hard for him to say anything without it receiving extra attention. 

"Yeah, obviously, so you've just got to be careful with what you say," Welker said. "Bill does a good job of challenging us and being a great coach and doing things necessary that he needs to do. I made a joke about it, and it won't happen again."

Welker has been punished for what he's said in the past, as cryptic jabs at Jets coach Rex Ryan's foot fetish cost him playing time early in the Pats' playoff loss to the Jets in the divisional round in the 2010 season. He said he doesn't expect any repercussions for Sunday's comment. 

"I don't think so at all," he said. "We're just concentrating on Seattle this week and getting ready for the game." 

For more on the Patriots, visit weei.com/patriots [1].