Patriots expected to sign DL Alan Branch

@shalisemyoung
in addition to trade for Ayers, #Patriots expected to sign free agent DL Alan Branch...Branch was released by #Bills after August DUI arrest

Right now, I'll take any move to strengthen the front 7.

Branch - Wilfork - Siliga would be an interesting 34 front.

ausbacker said:

Right now, I'll take any move to strengthen the front 7.

Branch - Wilfork - Siliga would be an interesting 34 front.

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It's the "beef curtain" we were dreaming of back in 2011 all over again!

Not a bad pickup. He has a good combination of size and length that could give us some versatility up front, especially now that Chandler Jones is missing a month.

Next question: who are we getting rid of to make room for Branch and Ayers? Chris Barker is probably one.

Alan Branch?

I'll drink to that!
















Too soon?

But I am really glad to see us being aggressive with making these moves, especially now that Jones is out for a few games.

Mack Herron said:

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Given your avatar, this is right in your wheelhouse.

Deus Irae said:

Alan Branch?

I'll drink to that!
















Too soon?

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Hard to say chauffer.

Assuming health, what do we think of this potential line up guys?

Ninkovich/Ayers - Hightower - Collins - Jones/Ayers
Is that a workable 3-4 front with our players? I hope Belichick isn't finished with the additions (i.e. go get V-Jax and more talent if you can, we're in win now mode). Obviously this is dependent on the health of Siliga and Jones but to me, it looks like a workable unit.

ausbacker said:

Assuming health, what do we think of this potential line up guys?

Siliga - Wilfork - Branch​

Ninkovich/Ayers - Hightower - Collins - Jones/Ayers

Revis - McCourty - Chung - Browner
​

Is that a workable 3-4 front with our players? I hope Belichick isn't finished with the additions (i.e. go get V-Jax and more talent if you can, we're in win now mode). Obviously this is dependent on the health of Siliga and Jones but to me, it looks like a workable unit.

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I think a guy like Branch makes it so we can use a guy like Easley more. I think Branch's length makes him a good fit for 5 tech DT (someone else would still be the end of the line rusher) and we can play Vince/Easley at the 3 tech and NT interchangeably.

VrabelJr said:

I think a guy like Branch makes it so we can use a guy like Easley more. I think Branch's length makes him a good fit for 5 tech DT (someone else would still be the end of the line rusher) and we can play Vince/Easley at the 3 tech and NT interchangeably.

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I completely forgot about Easley. Mea culpa!

ausbacker said:

Assuming health, what do we think of this potential line up guys?

Siliga - Wilfork - Branch​

Ninkovich/Ayers - Hightower - Collins - Jones/Ayers

Revis - McCourty - Chung - Browner
​

Is that a workable 3-4 front with our players? I hope Belichick isn't finished with the additions (i.e. go get V-Jax and more talent if you can, we're in win now mode). Obviously this is dependent on the health of Siliga and Jones but to me, it looks like a workable unit.

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Minus Mayo and Chandler Jones, I think pressure on Brady & company to carry the load just went up a notch.

Tunescribe said:

Minus Mayo and Chandler Jones, I think pressure on Brady & company to carry the load just went up a notch.

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Any move to improve the Patriots roster will be a welcome move.

ausbacker said:

I completely forgot about Easley. Mea culpa!

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We have some insane amount of beef at DT right now.

Wilfork
Walker
Chris Jones
Easley
Branch
Siliga (once he is back)

The five healthy right now are the most depth we've had at DT since Seymour, Wilfork, Warren and Jarvis Green. Now we just need our LBs to stop dropping like flies.

I wonder if this means Walker will be cut when Siliga is healthy. I also wonder if Branch has passed his physical with us. Branch failed his conditioning test with the Bills over the summer.

I recall him being a beast against the run...so just what the front 7 needs.

VrabelJr said:

We have some insane amount of beef at DT right now.

Wilfork
Walker
Chris Jones
Easley
Branch
Siliga (once he is back)

The five healthy right now are the most depth we've had at DT since Seymour, Wilfork, Warren and Jarvis Green. Now we just need our LBs to stop dropping like flies.

I wonder if this means Walker will be cut when Siliga is healthy. I also wonder if Branch has passed his physical with us. Branch failed his conditioning test with the Bills over the summer.

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I'd imagine since this wasn't a trade but a FA signing.

Really like this move. I still want BB to try and find a DE (if we play43 anymore??) the beef upfront will help against run teams and on third down plays. Especially against DEN and the quick throws the Mallard likes, Branch should get some swats

tmajr3 said:

Really like this move. I still want BB to try and find a DE (if we play43 anymore??) the beef upfront will help against run teams and on third down plays. Especially against DEN and the quick throws the Mallard likes, Branch should get some swats

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IMO, the Defensive Line rotation needs to be strong to become a dominant D. The Seahawks have lost some fine pieces from their DL and teams are starting to move the ball on what was once, a dominant D.

I'm 100% on board with the Patriots effort to continue improving the D. It's pleasing to see Bill Belichick and his team realize that 1. there are shortcomings, and 2. make moves to help alleviate those shortcomings.

ausbacker said:

IMO, the Defensive Line rotation needs to be strong to become a dominant D. The Seahawks have lost some fine pieces from their DL and teams are starting to move the ball on what was once, a dominant D.

I'm 100% on board with the Patriots effort to continue improving the D. It's pleasing to see Bill Belichick and his team realize that 1. there are shortcomings, and 2. make moves to help alleviate those shortcomings.

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This has to be the most overlooked reason for the Seahawks' struggles so far this year. They were insane to think they could replace the losses of Chris Clemons, Red Bryant and Clinton McDonald with an aging Kevin Williams. Nobody could match their rotation at DT for a full game last year.