What's the deal with Branch?

[Brady_to_Moss]

Didn't he hurt his groin a few weeks ago?

 

[jays52]

I think it's a lot more than his groin. From the start of the season it was pretty clear to me that he's lost his burst. When you're Branch's size and strength, your entire game hinges upon your ability to separate on one step. I could see that he no longer could get away from corners, and while he has an impressive repertoire of moves those too hinge on his burst. Guys are getting their hands on him too easily, and breaking with him too easily. This is further backed up by how he only makes play on scramble drills. On scramble drills it's not about your ability to separate so much as it is your ability to find an open area. He's effective there while ineffective everywhere else. That's evidence of tires that have run out of tread.

Not fun to hear, I know, but when guys like him lose their burst it's a pretty abrupt halt.

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

I think it's a lot more than his groin. From the start of the season it was pretty clear to me that he's lost his burst. When you're Branch's size and strength, your entire game hinges upon your ability to separate on one step. I could see that he no longer could get away from corners, and while he has an impressive repertoire of moves those too hinge on his burst. Guys are getting their hands on him too easily, and breaking with him too easily. This is further backed up by how he only makes play on scramble drills. On scramble drills it's not about your ability to separate so much as it is your ability to find an open area. He's effective there while ineffective everywhere else. That's evidence of tires that have run out of tread.

Not fun to hear, I know, but when guys like him lose their burst it's a pretty abrupt halt.

Injury aside, I think you're on target with The Twig. These speed/quick move guys hit the wall exponentially fast. Another case in point is Faulk this year. Aside from a healthy scratch reserve RB, he's done.

I just hope that Welker's next Patriot contract doesn't run too long.

 

[Patjew]

Depressing...

 

[PatsChamp88]

I think it's a lot more than his groin. From the start of the season it was pretty clear to me that he's lost his burst. When you're Branch's size and strength, your entire game hinges upon your ability to separate on one step. I could see that he no longer could get away from corners, and while he has an impressive repertoire of moves those too hinge on his burst. Guys are getting their hands on him too easily, and breaking with him too easily. This is further backed up by how he only makes play on scramble drills. On scramble drills it's not about your ability to separate so much as it is your ability to find an open area. He's effective there while ineffective everywhere else. That's evidence of tires that have run out of tread.

Not fun to hear, I know, but when guys like him lose their burst it's a pretty abrupt halt.

 

[SpiderFox53]

Welker is the only WR at the moment. Branch, Ocho, Edelman and Underwood all shutout yesterday right? Near connection with Ocho on the post, but they missed again. Plenty of snaps for the group. I don't think Brady is deliberately passing up big plays.

The three of Ocho, Underwood and Branch had plenty of snaps yesterday, but only one target between them. When you have Welker, Gronk and Hernandez, one of them is going to be open and you're not going to need to get to your fourth read very often.

 

[efeene]

When you have Welker, Gronk and Hernandez, one of them is going to be open and you're not going to need to get to your fourth read very often.

+1 -- This. Exactly.