Colts sign Deion Branch

Brady6 said:

No I'm saying that if he wasn't even invited to training camp by a team he should be aware of the real reason he is being signed and knowing that choose against that. He is not continuing his career, the Colts intentions are not sincere and I will be surprised if he even dresses on Sunday. He is being used as a pawn.

Click to expand...

I guess my next question probably answers itself, but what the hell.

Do you think that Deion Branch is going to provide the Colts with something they don't already know and/or will give them some sort of substantive advantage because he played for the Patriots last season?

This thread almost has me wishing that Branch scores.

Brady6 said:

Manx that's how I see as I said I'm not claiming to be right but when I see people defending a decision like this by Branch it seems rather odd. Michigan Dave giving him the benefit of the doubt I can understand but you posting that I'm wrong for finding issue with it for the past 5 hours seems odd for a fan of the Patriots. Let me be mad about it why do you even care does me saying it's ok that Branch do this really change you life in anyway. I'm not usually a homer about stuff you know that so let me be a homer on this one and stop fighting me on it.

Click to expand...

There you go again. When you go all McCarthyite on me, you're damn right I'll fight you on it.

Michigan Dave said:

I guess my next question probably answers itself, but what the hell.



Do you think that Deion Branch is going to provide the Colts with something they don't already know and/or will give them some sort of substantive advantage because he played for the Patriots last season?

Click to expand...

No I don't think he be much help but he and the Colts likely think he can. So the intent is there even if it's unsuccessful.

Michigan Dave said:

I guess my next question probably answers itself, but what the hell.

Do you think that Deion Branch is going to provide the Colts with something they don't already know and/or will give them some sort of substantive advantage because he played for the Patriots last season?

Click to expand...

Do you know that he won't?

Brady6 said:

No I don't think he be much help but he and the Colts likely think he can. So the intent is there even if it's unsuccessful.

Click to expand...

So then you think that he signed this contract with the intention of just exchanging cash for information, that he would think said information is valuable, and that he believes the Colts are using him for valuable information and is OK with that? Despite their need to sign a WR for depth, that is a coincidence, and his workout with them a while ago was a smokescreen?

manxman2601 said:

There you go again. When you go all McCarthyite on me, you're damn right I'll fight you on it.

Click to expand...

Why? What is your gain Manx, I'm continuing this conversation because I'm trying to understand your motivation. My motivation in this situation is clear to the eye.

Michigan Dave said:

So then you think that he signed this contract with the intention of just exchanging cash for information, that he would think said information is valuable, and that he believes the Colts are using him for valuable information and is OK with that? Despite their need to sign a WR for depth, that is a coincidence, and his workout with them a while ago was a smokescreen?

Click to expand...

I think they worked him out knowing that they could face the patriots in round 2.

manxman2601 said:

Do you know that he won't?

Click to expand...

No. I don't. But I know that the "knowledge" piece is something blown out of perspective by fans (and our fan base more than any should understand that, having defended Spygate.) I believe that a team learns the most about an opponent by facing them, and a close second is scouting actual film and what they've done. And even then, sometimes execution and talent flat out beats good scouting.

I do think that coaches will do anything whatsoever to try and get even the most minuscule perceived advantage (thus why the risk of Spygate was taken despite a nominal if any competitive advantage) because they are neurotic.

Michigan Dave said:

No. I don't. But I know that the "knowledge" piece is something blown out of perspective by fans (and our fan base more than any should understand that, having defended Spygate.) I believe that a team learns the most about an opponent by facing them, and a close second is scouting actual film and what they've done. And even then, sometimes execution and talent flat out beats good scouting.

I do think that coaches will do anything whatsoever to try and get even the most minuscule perceived advantage (thus why the risk of Spygate was taken despite a nominal if any competitive advantage) because they are neurotic.

Click to expand...

I agree. I was being facetious (and not directed at you).

I believe he lives in the Indianapolis area. Bought a house there a few years ago. So he signed with his "hometown team" today.

Think the move makes sense for both parties...

Brady6 said:

find it to be a slap in the face to a franchise that gave him his chance

Click to expand...

Nobody else would have drafted Deion Branch but the Patriots who only did it out of the good of their hearts.

The Patriots should have complete control over the football careers of everyone they draft or sign. He should just be grateful to have had a chance to play for this team and never try to play in another football game again unless the Patriots deign to sign him again.

Anyone who ever put on the Patriots jersey and then played somewhere else are the scummiest human beings alive, literally worse than Hitler.

I cant believe this thread.. I hope someone tweets it to Deion for a good laugh.

Brady6 said:

What Branch did is not a respectful human action, I don’t care if you call it a business.?

Click to expand...

What if a phone conversation similar to this had occurred prior?

Branch: "Hey Bill! How are ya? Listen, the Colts are offering to sign me on. You know I worked out with them a few weeks ago. Anyway, they probably think they can get some inside info from me...like you and McD haven't changed a thing since last year LOL. So what'ya think, man? Couple extra greenbacks for me, and I'll take you and Linda out to Foxwoods in the offseason."

Bill: "LMAO 'inside info'. Dude, go for it! Actually, wait...can we have a video conference tonight? I'd like to prep you for your 'inside info' session with the Dolts."

edit: fack. just noticed half a dozen other posters have already made that joke

Brady should call him for some inside info.

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. False tells have a similar effect in football. There is nothing more damaging to a defenses confidence than a false read that you don't expect. When it happens it makes players question everything their coaches said would happen.

That's why "stealing signals" is so highly over rated

patfanken said:

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.

Click to expand...

Last is a bingo. Brady will give the signal, but it may be to play the defense then or later.

Didn't Manning do something similar to the Colts last year? My memory is foggy.

Will Branch be active for this game??

Adam Seward said:

I cant believe this thread.. I hope someone tweets it to Deion for a good laugh.

Click to expand...

Adam Seward's on the practice squad? Forget Spikes, we're saved!