Deion Branch Discussion
 

Why am I seeing so many comments about not bringing Deion back?

I think posters on this board want to see Welker resigned and 4 new WR or even just flat out 5 new WRs and I just dont get it.

For this dicussion I am assuming Wes is back.

I just dont see the logic in completely turning over the position after that.

I think Edelman and Branch should both be considered as part of the plan next year leaving two spots to fill.

I think one needs to be very aggresively filled. Either a First round pick or a top tier FA. My prefrence here is leaning toward Reggie Wayne as I think his time in the Indy offense with Peyton has to be an indication he can pick up a complicated offense.

The second spot is mostly determined by the first as if you go rookie this spot is more important and if you get a near the end vet you kinda need a rookie.

Now once the two above are satisfied and you have a group of 5 you then need to challenge them and to this end I am ok with a number of third options with maybe Edelman getting pushed to a STs role only or maybe Branch becames a camp cut but I doubt that.

Getting back to the point at hand (Deion) I think the goal with Deion should be to move him down the depth chart this way you get the speed everyone wants and actually improve your depth. The way I look it at is put athletic player into the Reps Branch got this year and put Branch into the Reps Chad got and your production from both spots should go up.

re: Deion Branch Discussion
 

I'm not sure whether there is place on the roster or in the league for a midget that can neither run nor catch.

re: Deion Branch Discussion
 

...really?

re: Deion Branch Discussion
 

Didn't that Midget catch a huge 4th down throw at 4th and 16 late in the SB that moved the Patriots into position to win?

Branch is too old to take over a game,but if there is one player Brady respects and trusts in a 4th and long situation,Its Branch.

Branch is still excellent depth as a 4th receiver,I don't think he is done yet..

re: Deion Branch Discussion
 

I don't really care about Branch one way or another, other than to stipulate that he should not be any higher than #3 on the depth chart (ideally #4).

re: Deion Branch Discussion
 

Branch is fine as a #3 next year. He brings leadership to the team. Anyone who doesn't want him is a fool and doesn't know anything.

re: Deion Branch Discussion
 

Just to add some perspective to the conversation his 2011 stats are not that far off from some of his best in 02-06. I dont care how you produce so long as you do there is a spot for you.
Season Team Receiving Rushing Fumbles
G GS Rec Yds Avg Lng TD Att Yds Avg Lng TD FUM Lost

2011 New England Patriots 15 15 51 702 13.8 63 5 -- -- -- -- -- -- --

2010 New England Patriots 11 9 48 706 14.7 79T 5 -- -- -- -- -- -- --

2010 Seattle Seahawks 4 3 13 112 8.6 41 1 -- -- -- -- -- 1 1

2009 Seattle Seahawks 14 5 45 437 9.7 35 2 1 -8 -8.0 -8 0 -- --

2008 Seattle Seahawks 8 8 30 412 13.7 63 4 -- -- -- -- -- -- --

2007 Seattle Seahawks 11 11 49 661 13.5 65 4 -- -- -- -- -- -- --

2006 Seattle Seahawks 14 13 53 725 13.7 38T 4 4 30 7.5 19 0 -- --

2005 New England Patriots 16 15 78 998 12.8 51 5 -- -- -- -- -- -- --

2004 New England Patriots 9 9 35 454 13.0 26T 4 -- -- -- -- -- 1 1

2003 New England Patriots 15 11 57 803 14.1 66T 3 1 11 11.0 11 0 -- --

2002 New England Patriots 13 7 43 489 11.4 49T 2 2 0 0.0 4 0 1 0

re: Deion Branch Discussion
 

I'd rather see a guy with some upside go out there and fail than to see Deion go out there and not create any separation time after time. The guy has no explosiveness and little upside. Against a good defense, man coverage completely shuts him down.

re: Deion Branch Discussion
 

A little harsh, don't you think? He's clearly not the player he was before he went to Seattle, but I think he still has enough to be a contributing WR, even if he isn't a starter.

re: Deion Branch Discussion
 

absolutely have to keep him. If we replace him with someone else, and that guy can't pick up the offense, we're REALLY in trouble.

How do you let go of a guy Brady calls the 2nd best WR he's ever seen (to Jerry Rice)?