Vince Wilfork didn’t let his big chance slip

LANDOVER, Md. - Against the Chargers in Week 2, Vince Wilfork recorded his first career interception and was chugging toward his first career touchdown, but was brought down before the end zone.

Two weeks later against the Raiders, Wilfork got his second interception, but again didn’t reach pay dirt.

Yesterday, he got the score that had eluded him, though Wilfork said it didn’t happen as he’d envisioned.

Three plays into the Redskins’ second possession, on third and 9 from their 5-yard line, Andre Carter beat rookie left tackle Willie Smith and drilled Rex Grossman in the back, forcing a fumble in the end zone.

Rob Ninkovich was the first Patriot to get a hand on the ball, and then Wilfork came diving in to grab it, holding on at the bottom of a pile for his long-awaited first touchdown.

“It wasn’t what I thought it was going to be, but a touchdown is a touchdown,’’ Wilfork said. “I saw the ball come out and I just went to get it; I’d let the refs decide if it was a fumble. I had to fight for it in the pile.’’

Wilfork kept the ball, and presented it to his wife, Bianca, who travels to every road game.

“Any time I do my thing with the ball, if she’s in reach she’s getting the ball,’’ he said. “She was waiting for me.’’

Bianca was thrilled.

Century club

“Vince has certain personal goals he has set for his career, and getting a touchdown has always been one of them,’’ she said in an e-mail. “I was so proud of him, between that and his two interceptions this year, we are just grateful and humbled.’’ After making one catch for 8 yards in the first half, Wes Welker played a bigger role in the second half, finishing with seven receptions for 86 yards and a touchdown.



(boston.com)