Some comments on the comments;
Disclaimer: I only read the last 6 pages of the thread
1. Deion will not be a factor in the game as a receiver. He's toast. We don't have a DB who CAN'T cover Deion in man coverage. The only possible way you'd see Deion open is if we play a zone, and even that's in doubt.
2. However this is an area where he could "possibly" hurt us. It's not about any plays, or any routes, because those change week to week, let alone year to year. Where he CAN help the Colts is in the area of cadence, and audibles. His presence will force the Pats to change their audibles and thus be a small area of extra work which might have been utilized elsewhere.
But even more dangerous, he can give them all of Brady's "tells". The non-verbal communications that don't change from week to week. Those methods of silent communication that Brady has used over the course of his long career and isn't likely to change now. Things that only someone whose been close with him for 7 seasons would know.
3. You'd think that with all the millions Deion extorted from the Seahawks, you'd think he wouldn't need an extra $23,000. Is he that competitive that he'd stay in shape all season long after he didn't get a whiff of interest as a FA. Does he really think he will play next season and is he expecting that interest will be higher next season?!
4. A Message board story that some hater is sure to write if the Pats whack the Colts - Deion Branch was a plant and leaked the Colts game plan to the Pats. This rumor will be picked up by PFT and ESPN and be reported as fact by both organizations.
5 If the Pats lose it will be reported that Branch gave the Colts the info they needed to beat NE, and Pagano will be called "brilliant" and his deification will continue.
In the end, Deion's signing will have zero impact on the game. From what I understand he lives in the Indy area. He's close. He's available. He MIGHT be able to provide inside info on the Pats offense and Brady, and the Colts need a #5 receiver for the game. Why not take the money and run. Good luck to him.
BTW- knowing someone's "tells" isn't always the best thing. Good poker players often will allow a "tell" to be seen to set up a player later. For example you leak a tell in a small hand that says your bluffing. Then later give the same "tell" in a big hand when you have the goods and want an opponent to call.