Alan Branch's second game for the Patriots
Alan Branch played in only his second game for the Patriots, after a quick intro to a complex defense and not having played in a long time. But he is already getting praise as one of two "big defensive tackles (who) helped control the line of scrimmage"…."making the Colts one-dimensional and holding their RB’s ..to four yards on 14 attempts. That’s absolutely unreal, and it’s as big a reason for the win as any. Credit …Alan Branch (and others)."
FYI, here's a more detailed article on Alan’s journey from MI through the NFL. He said that before signing with the Pats, he “had a couple (Michigan) friends that tried out for the team and met [Bill] Belichick [before]." They told him 'Don’t pay attention to [perception of him].' They kind of said he had a Lloyd Carr approach. I enjoyed Lloyd Carr..."
PS In related news from the UM-Patriots connection, Giselle recently shot down rumors that ex-UM QB Tom Brady was renting out their pretty amazing $14 million NYC condo for a mere $40,000 a month ($42,500 furnished). Yes, it sounded too good to be true. :-)
November 17th, 2014 at 10:49 AM ^
and now Alan Branch; next week is going to be tough for the Lions :/
November 17th, 2014 at 11:22 AM ^
Regardless of what happens next week, though, the Pats will visit the Packers on Thanksgiving weekend. Hopefully, Alan, Tom, and the rest of the Pats can give the Lions some help then--even though it is very tough to play at Green Bay.
November 17th, 2014 at 12:27 PM ^
He had a nice play in the 3rd quarter (?) where he came down the line and blasted the Colt's back (can't remember which). Good to see him playing for an organization that will make the most of his skills.
November 17th, 2014 at 1:05 PM ^
That was a nice hussle and nice driving tackle.
November 17th, 2014 at 12:28 PM ^
So happy for Branch. That's old schoo' Michigan quality.
Go Blue!
November 17th, 2014 at 12:34 PM ^
November 17th, 2014 at 1:08 PM ^
was he in the the defensive introduction of the players? I didn't see him annouce his own name and school. I always watch for B1G players and apparently missed him.
November 17th, 2014 at 2:48 PM ^
I know he was an awesome player in college but I swear I can only recall "The sack" against Penn St. where he left that poor quarterback on his back.
November 17th, 2014 at 6:56 PM ^
Along with Mike Hart, Branch was one of the least heralded recruits. But by the time he was done, everybody knew who he was.
“Branch, along with fellow defensive all-star LaMarr Woodley, anchored one of the best defenses in college football in 2006......
- 2006 ESPN.com All-American Team
- 2006 All-Big Ten Conference First Team (coaches and media)”
I remember being disappointed that he turned pro after 3 years.
November 17th, 2014 at 3:05 PM ^
After winning his 4th superbowl this upcoming February 2015, Bill Belichick will decide that the NFL has been too easy for him, and he wants to accomplish a feat he's never done before -- win the national championship in the FBS.*
*Pardon my naivete, isn't that an FCS now too, aren't there two FCS's, because the FBS has a championship now and even the FCS has bowl games, although not as many???.
And where else would Coach Bill wanna coach, than Michigan... he's been hearing about it for eons from his QB.
The downside is, under Coach Bill's regime, his press conferences will make Hoke's look like open brain downloads. ("Yeah, we play Ohio State next. Uh huh. I think they are in Columbus, Ohio. Probably will take a bus to get there. They play offense and defense and have special teams too. Thanks for coming.")
November 17th, 2014 at 5:50 PM ^
in the utter lack of information they convey.
They have inspired numerous analyses. Surprisingly, his conferences are not all carbon copies. For example, Belichick averages 82-word answers following a win, he cuts his responses to an average of 25 words after a loss. After the Pats loss to KC this season, for example, nearly every time a reporter asked what went wrong, he said: “We’re on to Cincinnati.” We’re on to Cincinnati.” We’re on to Cincinnati.” The same 4 words, over and over and over again
Whether the team wins or loses, however, his words rarely have more-than-two-syllables. He also delivers them so mechanically that attempts have been made to replicate his remarks using computer simulations.
