Branch or Stallworth

[Nordberg]

huh? stallworth played under Josh McDaniels. Branch did not.

Josh's offense isn't that much different than the one that Branch ran here before. They may pass the ball more....but I believe the routes and terminology is pretty much the same.

I predict Stallworth will be the one cut when all is said and done.

Stallworth hasn't had a productive season since 07....and he lost his job toward the end of the season to Gaffney.

Someone said it's between Gaffney and Stallworth?

Gaffney is a lock to make this team. Brady loves him

 

[Reckedtrek]

Stallworth because he caught the funniest td pass I have ever seen. 2007 down the seam at Dallas. He runs away from the dback shakng his finger at him. Then the dback falls down and Donte' points at him while running into the end zone.

I have never laughed like that during a football game.

We bought tickets and flew to Dallas (From San Fran where we spent most of our time) to see that game on our honeymoon. What can I say- I'm a very lucky man! I remember that play vividly. Once it happened the locals shut up considerably from then on.

I voted Stallworth. Branch is (was) great, but it's got to be about this year not 7, 8 years ago.

 

[MoneyFX]

Damn I'm a little shocked to see the results. My heart says Deion but my head says Stallworth. Stallworth is more valuable for the offense because he can stretch the field and open up more room in the middle of the field. Deion was a great Patriot, but his time is up. He isn't worthy for a #2 anymore and he struggles to get open. And he can only play within like 10 yards from the line of scrimmage or he struggles. And of course, Welker, Gronk and Hernandez can do that and much more consistently.

 

[MoLewisrocks]

Stallworth has been struggling somewhat in camp when he's covered. Hasn't been doing well in the drills where they battle distractions. First two reports up tonight were at odds as Chris Price said he had a great night and PFW Paul said he was having that same problem again when he beat coverage but then seemed unable to locate the ball coming through traffic.

I think Stallworth was a classic underachiever, even when he was here in 2007. He expected to do well and when he didn't he looked somewhat sheepish. Of course his whole life went in the crapper thereafter. I think he's probably a lot more driven than he was when he was last here, and BB seems to appreciate that. But at the end of the day don't be surprised if he is what he is.

 

[Dragda]

I think Branch is a better player in this offense

 

[BradyFTW!]

I think Branch is just about done as a player, but I'll give him the nod for now just because, if called upon, you know he'll be on the same page as Brady, and Brady won't throw to him in the highly likely event that he's completely incapable of getting separation. Neither's a very attractive option, and there's more evidence to indicate that they're both done than not, but no outcome would surprise me. I also wouldn't be surprised to see neither make the team, so there's that.

 

[PATSYLICIOUS]

I think Brady and Branch are more in sync. Branch, though I think is more of an injury risk. Still I think I'd go with Branch but it's a close call, so much so I won't be all "damn, Branch didn't make it" if Stallworth wins the job. Also I'm more sentimental with Branch.

Yeah I might have to give the slight edge to Branch. In a reduced role, his durability isn't as worrisome. Last couple years he was the 2nd wideout/4th option and really had to produce (which he did, alot more than most 4th options give their teams despite being slowed by injuries). This year he'd be depth and in that role I think I'd take him over Stallworth. Too much chemistry with Brady.

 

[bagwell368]

Take off Branch's first two games last year and his averages sink. Look at his last 5 weeks of the season (inc playoffs) and its even worse.

So far its been reported his hands are good, but his wheels are gone this pre season.

Who will back up Lloyd? Stallworth is the best best on the team to do so. Branch can't do it. AH is going to poach a lot of catches normally headed to WR's. So what can Branch still do? A possession WR getting 23 catches at 10.5 YPC w/ 0 TD's?. No thanks.

 

[Deus Irae]

WR1: Welker
WR2: Lloyd
WR3: Gaffney
WR5: Branch/Edelman
WR6: Edelman/Branch
WR7: Stallworth

 

[patfanken]

I really don't think that it matters one way or the other. Right now it looks like its more a competition between Branch and Gaffney than Stallworth and Branch, and if that's true its going to be a tough road for Branch.

In the end its going to be a matter of versatility and position flexibility. Branch is ONLY an X and doesn't play special teams. That along with his lack of size, his diminishing skills, and the fact that fewer teams are giving us the soft zone looks that Branch thrived on in the past; make him the most likely casualty, and more than cancel out Brady's "comfort level" with him

I said 2 month ago that sometime in the next 5 weeks, Branch will call a press conference to announce his retirement, much like Bruschi and Brown before him. There will be tears and hugs all around and we will be sent to sit with Faulk on the shadow roster and await a phone call.

 

[supafly]

I think Branch is just about done as a player, but I'll give him the nod for now just because, if called upon, you know he'll be on the same page as Brady, and Brady won't throw to him in the highly likely event that he's completely incapable of getting separation. Neither's a very attractive option, and there's more evidence to indicate that they're both done than not, but no outcome would surprise me. I also wouldn't be surprised to see neither make the team, so there's that.

Good post, buddy. I agree with everything you say.

 

[upstater1]

For me it's an easy decision.

Branch.

He was hurt middle of the year last year, but during the Super Bowl when the Patriots needed him, Branch showed up. In the 4th qtr., he was open on 3 straight 2nd and long, 3rd and long, 4th and long. It shows what he can do in the clutch.

Stallworth is only one year younger than Branch, and last time he was here in 2007, he didn't exactly have a great year. Branch had just as good a season last year.

 

[patfanken]

WR1: Welker
WR2: Lloyd
WR3: Gaffney
WR5: Branch/Edelman
WR6: Edelman/Branch
WR7: Stallworth

I think the better explanation would be

LLoyd and Welker are the 2 WRs

They are backed up by Stallworth and Edelman

Gaffney comes in when the team uses 3 WR sets

Hernandez is the move TE, who can also play in the slot and be the 3rd WR in 3 WR sets

In the event Branch beats out Stallworth, then Gaffney will back up Stallworth as well as being the 3rd WR in 3 WR sets, and Branch would back him up there

The numbers crunch for roster spots is SOOOOOO tight at so many positions I don't think the Pats can afford the luxury of carrying 6 WRs....PLUS Slater. 5 is more than enough especially when there is a distinct possibility that we are going to carry 4 TE's and TE's are likely to be responsible for half the receptions made.

 

[BananaRepublican]

I think Stallworth would have the bigger impact overall, but Branch would probably be more clutch.

Thinking "clutch" makes me think that Stallworth is not that, but also that we don't really lack for clutch right now. We have clutch up the yin-yang.

I am concerned that Stallworth seems to have concentration problems, but maybe he can overcome some of that with effort. He seems to be motivated this time.

 

[Deus Irae]

While tonight was only one night, and Price apparently doesn't agree with my take, nothing I saw from Stallworth convinced me that he's got a spot over Branch.

Also, and again noting that it was just one night....

Mallet sucked
Gallery moves like an old man when resting and seems to gear up for his moments of play
Koppen is still not confident in his leg
Dowling was being more physical than I'd read of him prior to tonight
Brady wasn't particularly sharp
Jones has a long way to go
Solder still needs to work on his upper body
Vereen seems hesitant
Ripley doesn't
The offensive players have a huge edge over the defensive players, even outside of QB
I had Edelman as a favorite to make the team coming into tonight, but have said that he could still be cut. I still hold to that, but I think he's probably 95% safe.

That seems like a pretty good start. If anything else comes to mind, I'll add it on.

 

[pherein]

I am concerned that Stallworth seems to have concentration problems, but maybe he can overcome some of that with effort. He seems to be motivated this time.

Im with you , hope the best for every player, but 10 seasons? I think your concerns are warranted.

 

[Joey007]

Honestly I'm really surprised so many people voted Stallworth over Branch. The guy hasn't done anything productive since 2007. Branch's getting older, but he's still putting up over 700 yards per season. Stallworth's not even much younger than Branch I just don't understand what's so much better about Stallworth.

 

[BradyFTW!]

I really don't think that it matters one way or the other. Right now it looks like its more a competition between Branch and Gaffney than Stallworth and Branch, and if that's true its going to be a tough road for Branch.

In the end its going to be a matter of versatility and position flexibility. Branch is ONLY an X and doesn't play special teams. That along with his lack of size, his diminishing skills, and the fact that fewer teams are giving us the soft zone looks that Branch thrived on in the past; make him the most likely casualty, and more than cancel out Brady's "comfort level" with him

I said 2 month ago that sometime in the next 5 weeks, Branch will call a press conference to announce his retirement, much like Bruschi and Brown before him. There will be tears and hugs all around and we will be sent to sit with Faulk on the shadow roster and await a phone call.

Someone (I believe it was Bedard) noted yesterday that Gaffney and Branch were never on the field at the same time, IIRC. Definitely lends some credence to the idea that they're in direct competition, and if that's the case then Branch being cut would be basically a foregone conclusion.

 

[Joker]

you were AT practice tonight ,Deus??? You're a season ticket holder??? why you no good sandbagger...all these years I thought you lived a 1000 miles away and could never go to a regular season game...now I find out I may have unknowingly rubbed elbows with you somewhere in the 100"s???

from now on I'm calling you occulta deus...I'm shocked to find out that there is sandbagging going on in here...SHOCKED!

 

[Deus Irae]

you were AT practice tonight ,Deus??? You're a season ticket holder??? why you no good sandbagger...all these years I thought you lived a 1000 miles away and could never go to a regular season game...now I find out I may have unknowingly rubbed elbows with you somewhere in the 100"s???

from now on I'm calling you occulta deus...I'm shocked to find out that there is sandbagging going on in here...SHOCKED!

I'm not a season ticket holder. I have friends who are.

And I used to live 1500 miles away. I moved back a couple years ago.