Alan Branch

[RobertWeathers]

Remember when people were ranking the Patriots DL and indeed the D, as the fourth best in the AFC East? Funny how things work out.

Branch has been excellent this season. He's formed a great threesome with Easley and Brown as they provide complimentary skills to each other.

Don't forget Hicks. He's passed Seal already.

 

[ausbacker]

Don't forget Hicks. He's passed Seal already.

Truthfully @robertweathers, I'm astounded at the performance of the DL. This group has grown so quickly that the early season teething problems feels like it was a lifetime ago. It's a remarkable effort of roster composition, coaching, and player execution.

 

[RobertWeathers]

Truthfully @robertweathers, I'm astounded at the performance of the DL. This group has grown so quickly that the early season teething problems feels like it was a lifetime ago. It's a remarkable effort of roster composition, coaching, and player execution.

....and will only get better

 

[OhExaulted1]

He's been what Tommy Kelly was for us before he went down in 2013. He's playing angry. Maybe one of the coaches slaps him in the face repeatedly before the game John Henderson style.

Actually, he reminds me of what Ted "Mt." Washington was for us in 2003. Absolutely the unmoveable object with our playmakers shooting off to his right and left.

There is no single man in NFL that can stand Alan up and push him back. Not happening. He owns that LOS and he's the guy who's going to push 2 off the spot.

 

[PatriotsPimp136]

Well our run defense has been great recently. I hope it continues

 

[zydecochris]

One of the best stories not yet written has been the "emergence" of the oldest player on the Pats DL. He has gone from a GL/SY big body used just in situational downs, to an impact player on the regular D, who has helped the Pats become one of the best run defenses in the league. Think about it. We are currently the 3rd best run D in the league. I bet no one ever thought we'd hear THAT this year about the run D, given how badly it started with Pittsburgh and Buffalo.

I don't know why it's occurred, Maybe its the fact that he only has to play 20-30 odd snaps were game that we are seeing a m uch more athletic version of Branch, dare I say it, a playmaker. In his 9th year in the league, Branch has a sack and 2 forced fumbles, which doubles his 9 year total to 4.

He has to be in the running for most surprising feel good story of the 2015 season.

I agree, the improvement of Branch has to be in the running for most surprising feel good story of 2015. I didn't really expect him to still be on the team, that shows what I know. Now Branch seems to have somehow been re-energized.

I wonder if the reason might be Matt Patricia? He seems to really be emerging. I have read articles that indicate that, in addition to his obvious intelligence, he is a also a master motivator. The defense just seems to be playing with more passion and intelligence that I can remember for some time.

....I think I saw a couple of posts that gently poked fun of Patricia fiercely hugging Lewis and giving him a pep talk as he walked off the field. I thought the opposite, I was very impressed, I think that type of fire and passion is needed, especially by the defense.

 

[OhExaulted1]

He'll never make an impact on the stat sheet. Until Fantasy and Madden find a way to recognize players like him for what they really are, guys who have such a huge impact on the REAL game will forever be overlooked.

Games are won in the trenches. When Wilfork's name comes up for induction, you people here better step up. To not do so would be a reflection of your ignorance.

 

[RayClay]

I have been giving props regularly, but it's true, it's not enough. He's not just better, he's been on fire, penetrating taking on double teams. He used to just stand there.

I swear i even started a thread, but, either way, this is well deserved with his body and this attitude, he's close to all pro material.

I do think the competition from Hicks is driving them both. This team has an attitude at every position!

 

[RayClay]

Ha ha, I did start one. Was trying to be clever with the title, though. Glad another one got more attention, the guy absolutely deserves it.

 

[RobertWeathers]

I agree, the improvement of Branch has to be in the running for most surprising feel good story of 2015. I didn't really expect him to still be on the team, that shows what I know. Now Branch seems to have somehow been re-energized.

I wonder if the reason might be Matt Patricia? He seems to really be emerging. I have read articles that indicate that, in addition to his obvious intelligence, he is a also a master motivator. The defense just seems to be playing with more passion and intelligence that I can remember for some time.

....I think I saw a couple of posts that gently poked fun of Patricia fiercely hugging Lewis and giving him a pep talk as he walked off the field. I thought the opposite, I was very impressed, I think that type of fire and passion is needed, especially by the defense.

I can't tell you if Patricia is a great DC but there is no question that given talent to work with, the D produces under his leadership.

 

[Brady_to_Moss]

Very glad he is on this team