ANIMATED: Wes Welker's Drop Helps End Late Patriots Drive

Read More: Tom Brady (QB - NEP), Wes Welker (WR - NEP), New England Patriots

The New England Patriots were driving late in Super Bowl XLVI, and had a wide open receiver deep down the field. And Tom Brady found that receiver, Wes Welker, and hit him in the hands.

But Welker did something extraordinary with the ball: he dropped it.

The typically sure-handed slot receiver's drop didn't end the Patriots' drive — it came on second down, and Brady rifled a pass to Deion Branch on third down that was broken up — but if the Patriots relinquish their current 17-15 lead over the New York Giants, it will almost assuredly be remembered as New England's biggest missed opportunity of Super Bowl XLVI.

And, immediately, Welker knew how big his drop was.

For more on the Patriots and their Super Bowl run, check out SB Nation's Patriots blog,Pats Pulpit as well as SB Nation Boston. For more on the Giants and their Super Bowl appearance, visit Giants blog Big Blue View and SB Nation New York. For all news and information regarding Super Bowl XLVI, please stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated Super Bowl hub.