Branch

[Halifax_Pats_Fan]

Is it me or does it seem like Branch is not getting the ball much this pre-season. Maybe he doesn't have to...i.e. others need the ball more ??

Just seems like he is not getting any balls thrown his way...

 

[Patjew]

Branch never did much in the PS before. I remember in the old days he wouldn't even play in the PS. So maybe he is so attuned with TFB that he doesn't need the throws.

I hope.

 

[Calciumee]

I guess that it is because the coaches know what he can do!

 

[dhamz]

In the 4+ quarters the first team offense has played, there has been alomst zero production from any of the outside WRs - Branch, Ocho, or Price. It has been all TEs, backs, or Welker in the slot. Brady seemed to indicate in his post game comments that getting them involved was a big part of yesterday's game plan but the Lions pressure made it impossible.


Hard to get overly concerned about Deion based on the track record of chemistry and production he has playing with Brady.

 

[Patjew]

Are the wideouts not getting the ball because the Ds have been concentrating on them, or they're just ineffective and can't get separation against straigt-up Ds?

Real question.

 

[Halifax_Pats_Fan]

Are the wideouts not getting the ball because the Ds have been concentrating on them, or they're just ineffective and can't get separation against straigt-up Ds?

Real question.

Good question...the latter would be a bit concerning...

 

[JoeShmoe]

Good question...the latter would be a bit concerning...

Same happened in PO loss to Jets, too easily shutdown outside the numbers

 

[cstjohn17]

Are the wideouts not getting the ball because the Ds have been concentrating on them, or they're just ineffective and can't get separation against straigt-up Ds?

Real question.

Not to be fresh but why would teams concentrate on them? The Patriots work from the inside out based on 2010 stats 5 of their top 6 recievers work primarily between the hash marks. Here are the receptions
Welker - 86
BRANCH - 48
Herdandez - 45
Gronkowski - 42
Woodhead - 34

Branch is the outlier.

Not to beat a dead horse but ideally there is some threat outside.

 

[cstjohn17]

Same happened in PO loss to Jets, too easily shutdown outside the numbers

And the offensive line played like junk, maybe the two work in tandem. If teams load up to protect the middle of the field they have more players near the line of scrimmage and have more players who can blitz, it would become harder to identify potential blitzers if there are 8 defenders close to the LOS.

 

[Brady_to_Moss]

Same happened in PO loss to Jets, too easily shutdown outside the numbers

That was a major issue. Hopefully ocho can attract some attention down the lines to open up the middle

 

[WhiZa]

And the offensive line played like junk, maybe the two work in tandem. If teams load up to protect the middle of the field they have more players near the line of scrimmage and have more players who can blitz, it would become harder to identify potential blitzers if there are 8 defenders close to the LOS.

That's how I saw it. Brady wasn't given much time to throw, and when he did he was throwing scared. There's no telling how many times he targeted Branch, but got hit or missed his mark.

As far as the other games, he didn't play in the 1st preseason game, but he did play 20+ snaps in the 2nd. He needs to show up more especially with Ocho taking his time to develop. I wouldn't say it's a concern, just something to watch out for.

 

[Halifax_Pats_Fan]

..yeah, my thought is that Branch and Brady already know what they are both seeing in certain situations, and the adjustments necessary to be successful.

It is a team sport, we all know. We need the O-line to show up to give our receivers some work...a lot of things at play and this is just one aspect of the team.

Next game it would be nice to see the starters in for at least a couple quarters, I think Brady would want to be in there for a couple quarters. Like he says things don't fix themselves with the flick of a switch.

All in all it's good to get schooled a bit. The Lions are a good team. We do need to get those receivers the ball before Miami. NO the sky is not falling, we are a rythm offense. Need to work on that a bit