Even though your #83 Deion Branch jerseys won't be totally valid anymore, the Branch part will be valid come this weekend against the Baltimore Ravens. According to numerous reports, the New England Patriots have traded a fourth round draft pick to re-acquire former Super Bowl MVP Deion Branch from the Seattle Seahawks.
Coming into this season, Branch had spent the previous four years in Seattle. In his last season with New England (2005-06), he hauled in 78 grabs for a career-high 998 yards and 5 touchdowns. That was also the only season of Branch's career in which he has played all 16 games. He had developed a close relationship with Tom Brady over the years, and supported by reports that Brady and Branch were texting last week, it seems that their relationship is still strong.
For me, I'm in love with this move. Everything that's going on right now just reminds me of the Patriots of old. The system over the ego. The heart and soul day in and day out. Having one goal and one goal only -- to win football games. To win championships. I can't say whether or not the Patriots' new formula will work or whether Branch will be a major contributor, but at least it's something to be excited to find out.
I'd love this move if Branch was still relevent. Since he's been in Seattle he averaged 44 catches a season, and hasn't bee able to stay healthy. It's not like he's playing with a terrible quarterback either, Hasselback has been to 3 pro bowls and a super bowls. Oh and by the way he's 31 years old. We're not getting the 2004 Super Bowl MVP Deion Branch. I'd bet that he ends up being the 4th reciever behind Welker, Tate, and Hernandez (lets stop calling him a TE). But is that really worth a 4th rounder if Randy Moss is only worth a 3rd rounder? Him and Tate have pretty much the same skill set, and I'd rather see what Tate has before we start taking him off the feild for a guy thats 8 years older.
ReplyDeleteI really really hope that Branch comes in and helps this offense alot, but my expectations are low.
I really need to start proof reading.
ReplyDelete-Hasselback has been to a Super Bowl(singular)
-When I say the he's 31 years old, I am reffering to Branch not hasselback.
Yeah, I'm with you. I still expect Brandon Tate will be the bigger contributor. I wouldn't equate Branch and Tate though... I'd say Branch was more of a slot receiver than a deep guy, which Tate can be, but I think Tate will more closely inherit the role of Randy Moss with some downfield routes. Branch may have been acquired to help with the shorter and timing routes, having played with Brady before.
ReplyDeleteStill, I wouldn't write him off as being a definite non-factor. Hasselbeck is a good QB, but he's not Tom Brady. Brady has a knack for bringing the absolute best, and then some, out of his receivers.