National Football League

Bill Belichick blasts Wes Welker for hit on Aqib Talib

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 10:49 p.m. ET

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FOXBORO, Mass. -- Bill Belichick had some strong words for one of his former players Monday.

New England Patriots cornerback Aqib Talib was knocked out of Sunday's AFC Championship Game on a brutal hit from Denver Broncos wide receiver Wes Welker. Belichick did not like what he saw after he watched the play on film.

"I think it was a deliberate play by the receiver to take out Aqib," Belichick said during his morning press conference on Monday. "No attempt to get open. I'll let the league handle the discipline on that play, whatever they decide. It's one of the worst plays I've seen."

Welker was not flagged on the hit, which seemed to occur as Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning's pass was reaching receiver Demaryius Thomas.

Talib hurt his knee on the play early in the second quarter. Denver beat New England 26-16 on Sunday to advance to the Super Bowl.

Welker spent the previous six years with the Patriots before signing with the Broncos before the season. He says he was trying to get Talib to go behind him as the two headed for each other across the middle.

The Associated Press contributed to this report