Alan Branch and the run defense

RayClay · Nov 29, 2014

Was reading about stopping the cheesehead lacey and felt as calm as a shaolin priest. Alan Branch was quite a pickup. We're missing Mayo and Spikes in the run defense, but our line is more solid against the run.

Branch has steadily increased snaps, but still isn't where he could be (except against passing teams) but big guys like him struggle with conditioning during layoffs, and he admits, it. BB andd Zolak pointed him out in there segment just destroying the right side of Detroit's (?) line allowing Nink to stroll in for a sack.

Happy to see Siliga recovering, but i think we could get a few good years out of Branch. He's a quality NFL lineman with ability and size. You don't luck into something like that midseason at that position very often, as you know if you count the D-linemen who have drifted through over the years. Must be 15 or 20.

mayoclinic · Nov 29, 2014

Branch has always been a 1st round talent who has struggled with consistency and motivation. I thought he could be another Ngata coming out of Michigan, and he obviously hasn't reached those kind of heights.

The run defense has solidified nicely since Branch's arrival. 152 yards over the past 3 games; the Pats gave up more yardage in 4 of their first 8 games. It will be interesting to see how he continues to work into the mix. I'm hopeful that this won't be a short term situation, as I agree that he should have some good years bet if managed properly.

TheBostonStraggler · Nov 29, 2014

Branch and whatever/whoever else are the reasons, the run D is playing solid as a rock. It's more solid than teams of the last few years. I'm certainly thankful of that.
If they can keep it up and leverage QBs into extra throws at this secondary??/ Nice.....

RayClay · Nov 29, 2014

mayoclinic said:
Branch has always been a 1st round talent who has struggled with consistency and motivation. I thought he could be another Ngata coming out of Michigan, and he obviously hasn't reached those kind of heights.

The run defense has solidified nicely since Branch's arrival. 152 yards over the past 3 games; the Pats gave up more yardage in 4 of their first 8 games. It will be interesting to see how he continues to work into the mix. I'm hopeful that this won't be a short term situation, as I agree that he should have some good years bet if managed properly.

Yeah, he doesn't seem to have a real aggressive personality. Seems to approach things in a professional way and seems modest and honest, though. Could be the change of scenery and team mates will do him good. Not everyone is cut out to be a leader.

micronin127 · Nov 29, 2014

Branch has been great, but he's still playing his way into football shape and has seen limited snaps. I really think that before Branch it was Dominique Easley against the Bengals that really set the edge well and helped us bounce back strong after Week 4 in KC.

IIRC, Easley separated his shoulder in the Bengals game and only missed one week due to the shoulder.

Chris Jones also has improved as he has recuperated from an ankle sprain.

So it is really a combination of better players, Branch very much included, that have formed a solid rotation. I don't think that Vince could hold up playing 90% of the snaps, so having more able bodies is where its at.

When Siliga gets back healthy, the rotation will only get better.

TheBostonStraggler · Nov 29, 2014

Is Branch not being a 'Spikes type' aggressive player something you have witnessed, heard or both? I hadn't heard anything about it so I'm curious if that's your own observation/opinion or is your belief based on a more widely accepted thought within Patriot and/or NFL circles.
I do agree with your sentiment. Every guy will be different, some with fire in their attitude while some lean toward the cerebral. I think it's a must for a BB team to have a share of the cerebral, however, to beat teams like 2012 Ravens, 2013 Hawks, etc.....you also need a share of the flash-bang fire breathers too. Otherwise I think those previous mentioned teams can get into a playoff fire breathing high and win the game through utter force (at least IMHO).

RayClay · Nov 29, 2014

TheBostonStraggler said:
Is Branch not being a 'Spikes type' aggressive player something you have witnessed, heard or both? I hadn't heard anything about it so I'm curious if that's your own observation/opinion or is your belief based on a more widely accepted thought within Patriot and/or NFL circles.
I do agree with your sentiment. Every guy will be different, some with fire in their attitude while some lean toward the cerebral. I think it's a must for a BB team to have a share of the cerebral, however, to beat teams like 2012 Ravens, 2013 Hawks, etc.....you also need a share of the flash-bang fire breathers too. Otherwise I think those previous mentioned teams can get into a playoff fire breathing high and win the game through utter force (at least IMHO).

I've been psyched about picking up a big guy, so I've been reading every interview or anything i could. Just my impression of him. He seems like a quiet guy, at least in what's been quoted.

No bravado, just trying to get a little better. I'm sure it hurts just as much when he quietly smashes the whole right side of your offensive line, though.

It's funny, but i was just thinking of posting about Reiss's Football Journey pieces (He linked to a previous one about Darius Fleming.). They really do give you a look at the human side of the players. shows you how much value a writer can provide if he's not looking for some non existent scoop, or dissension angle.

RayClay · Nov 29, 2014

Branch's Football journey

http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/new-...2119/patriots-football-journey-dt-alan-branch

BobDigital · Nov 29, 2014

If Branch continues to keep this up it will be interesting.

Branch is 29 so if he works out he can probably stay hear until Brady hangs it up.

TheBostonStraggler · Nov 29, 2014

micronin127 said:
Branch has been great, but he's still playing his way into football shape and has seen limited snaps. I really think that before Branch it was Dominique Easley against the Bengals that really set the edge well and helped us bounce back strong after Week 4 in KC.

IIRC, Easley separated his shoulder in the Bengals game and only missed one week due to the shoulder.

Chris Jones also has improved as he has recuperated from an ankle sprain.

So it is really a combination of better players, Branch very much included, that have formed a solid rotation. I don't think that Vince could hold up playing 90% of the snaps, so having more able bodies is where its at.

When Siliga gets back healthy, the rotation will only get better.

Good mention on Chris Jones. Between Branch and the venerable Vince, Chris J's contribution gets lost. I'm not anointing him to greatness but it has been a meaningful contribution considering his meager beginnings.

I agree that the Jumbo DT rotation takes a definite jump when Siliga begins playing and finds his groove. Siliga proved a lot last year in showing an 'immovable object' run stopping ability. With him back plus Branch, Vince, Chris J, we certainly have depth at the 300+ pound run stopper spot (possibly 1 too many?).

ctpatsfan77 · Nov 29, 2014

TheBostonStraggler said:
Good mention on Chris Jones. Between Branch and the venerable Vince, Chris J's contribution gets lost. I'm not anointing him to greatness but it has been a meaningful contribution considering his meager beginnings.

If the Pats had had a 5, they would have drafted him themselves; they put in waiver claims both times he hit the wire.

As I've noted elsewhere, Jones is poised to earn a ~$1M raise for 2016 if he finishes the season at 35% of the snaps (right now he's around 45%).

TheBostonStraggler · Nov 29, 2014

RayClay said:
I've been psyched about picking up a big guy, so I've been reading every interview or anything i could. Just my impression of him. He seems like a quiet guy, at least in what's been quoted.

No bravado, just trying to get a little better. I'm sure it hurts just as much when he quietly smashes the whole right side of your offensive line, though.

It's funny, but i was just thinking of posting about Reiss's Football Journey pieces (He linked to a previous one about Darius Fleming.). They really do give you a look at the human side of the players. shows you how much value a writer can provide if he's not looking for some non existent scoop, or dissension angle.

If you're right then it would seem Brnach's best as a player would more likely come out here. On BB's Patriots with the lack of having/not putting up with knuckleheads as well as the dedication to your job aura, it's a best fit for this type player (or seemingly so).

TheBostonStraggler · Nov 29, 2014

ctpatsfan77 said:
If the Pats had had a 5, they would have drafted him themselves; they put in waiver claims both times he hit the wire.

As I've noted elsewhere, Jones is poised to earn a ~$1M raise for 2016 if he finishes the season at 35% of the snaps (right now he's around 45%).

Good. Jones and Vince (I think big Vince is in line for some serious incentives) and the other DTs (Branch, Siliga from last year/soon to be this year) are an easy bunch to like/root for.

Some players get paid then their production is not commensurate (Ocho Cinco, that LB a few years back, DA). I don't begrudge a player for receiving every dime of pay they will be offered, however, it's nice to see Chris J and Vince going out on the field, getting it done, getting rewarded.

Marqui · Nov 30, 2014

Love having a big strong guy like Branch next to Wilfork as opposed to some undersized DTs like Jones and Vellano.

patriot lifer · Nov 30, 2014

We were in such a bad position last year with the D-line. Losing Tommy Kelly and Vince Wilfork really limited our defense. It's nice to have come so far since then. Not that it's a top 5 unit today--but at least they aren't bottom 5 like last year.

RobertWeathers · Nov 30, 2014

Marqui said:
Love having a big strong guy like Branch next to Wilfork as opposed to some undersized DTs like Jones and Vellano.

Yea Jones is in the mold of the Jarvis Green/Mike Wright position. Jones very well might become more effective w/ Sigilia/VW/Branch rotation. Sometimes less is more.

Oswlek · Nov 30, 2014

RayClay said:
Was reading about stopping the cheesehead lacey and felt as calm as a shaolin priest. Alan Branch was quite a pickup. We're missing Mayo and Spikes in the run defense, but our line is more solid against the run.

Branch has steadily increased snaps, but still isn't where he could be (except against passing teams) but big guys like him struggle with conditioning during layoffs, and he admits, it. BB andd Zolak pointed him out in there segment just destroying the right side of Detroit's (?) line allowing Nink to stroll in for a sack.

Happy to see Siliga recovering, but i think we could get a few good years out of Branch. He's a quality NFL lineman with ability and size. You don't luck into something like that midseason at that position very often, as you know if you count the D-linemen who have drifted through over the years. Must be 15 or 20.

I don't quite credit Branch, since the run D had already improved prior to his uptick in snaps last week, but I agree with your first sentence. I've found it amusing how many people keeping pointing to Ivory's game as a comparable for Lacy without also noting that the Jet game was on a Thursday right after losing Mayo when the DL depth was so thin that Vince had to play ~140 snaps in four days.

You'll forgive me if I'm huddled in the corner at the aspect of Eddie Lacy abusing NE's defense today. He's a good player and the Packers are a great team, so I'm sure he'll end with respectable numbers, but GB is going to be closer to 100 yards rushing as a team than 200.

ZoisKing · Nov 30, 2014

RayClay said:
Branch's Football journey

http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4772119/patriots-football-journey-dt-alan-branch

That was an interesting read. Belichick loves versatile players. Maybe we can look forward to him returning punts at some point

Galeb · Nov 30, 2014

It is hard for me to get a gauge on the Pats run D. They've looked good, but they haven't played against a good running team in a while. This game will be a huge test.

Brady6 · Nov 30, 2014

RayClay said:
Was reading about stopping the cheesehead lacey and felt as calm as a shaolin priest. Alan Branch was quite a pickup. We're missing Mayo and Spikes in the run defense, but our line is more solid against the run.

Branch has steadily increased snaps, but still isn't where he could be (except against passing teams) but big guys like him struggle with conditioning during layoffs, and he admits, it. BB andd Zolak pointed him out in there segment just destroying the right side of Detroit's (?) line allowing Nink to stroll in for a sack.

Happy to see Siliga recovering, but i think we could get a few good years out of Branch. He's a quality NFL lineman with ability and size. You don't luck into something like that midseason at that position very often, as you know if you count the D-linemen who have drifted through over the years. Must be 15 or 20.

Branch strikes me as the type of player that Belichick is will be able to turn into a top tier player for 2-3 productive seasons. He was a first round talent coming into the NFL who has never lived up to it due to inconsistent and issues off the field. He is very similar to TY Warren and I think Belichick is going to make him a stud.

I'll tell you what if we can get retain him next season and get 100% healthy in the front 7 this team will be stacked. I would like to see Branch and Ayers back.

Alan Branch and the run defense

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