Alan Branch: another UM alum crucial for the Pat’s SB quest

Since 32 year old big uglies don’t usually get a lot of attention, here is a shout-out to unsung hero and UM alum, Alan Branch.  His determination and endurance on the Pats weighed even more than his 350 pounds. They were key in getting to and winning the SB.

In the SB game itself, Alan Branch beat 3 Falcons defenders to the ball and recovered a fumble.* That play gave the Pats the hope that turned the game around. He also shared another crucial sack of Matt Ryan.

In getting the Patrots to another SB, Branch was even more crucial. This year he was called “a beast”, the “unsung hero,” the “centerpiece” of the Pats hopes”…”the unquestioned rock in the middle of the Pats defense” —the defense that allowed the fewest points in the NFL this year. “

Why was Branch so valuable?  The tallest and heaviest player on the Patriots’ defensive roster,” Alan had “surprising mobility and length for a man his size. (That made him) so effective at foiling offensive linemen:” pushing the pocket and disrupting passing lanes with his long arms . Bill Belichick said (you can’t find many) guys that weigh 350 pounds and are athletic and long like he is; I mean they don’t grow on trees…..”

Indeed, he could also be found displaying his athletic prowess in other ways--like riding his skateboard or showing off his dance moves. (See links below.*)

But it was not just his athletic characteristics but character itself that pushed him over the top.   Who would have guessed that Alan would now be celebrating his 2nd SB victory in 3 years? When Branch joined the Pats, they hadn’t won a SB in nearly a decade. And for Alan, the end of his career seemed near. Even when the Pats picked him up, nobody expected him to fill the gigantic shoes of his predecessor: the 5x Pro-bowl DT Vince WIlfork. Most people expected a big drop-off. But the opposite happened. Alan not only played far beyond anyone’s expectations. His endurance was off the charts. This year, he played a career-high 626 snaps on defense (60 percent) and 153 on special teams. He played more defensive snaps than any other lineman on the Pats Before SB LI, Alan Branch was on the injury list, but played anyway.

So, yes, Tom Brady now deserves all the attention he is getting for his miraculous accomplishments. But I'm sure that Tom would especially appreciate a shout-out for his teammate and fellow UM alum: Alan Branch.

*Miscellaneous Alan Branch stuff.  Sorry, I cannot embed.

Branch’s fumble recovery in SB LI.

https://twitter.com/NFL/status/828433126166712321?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Riding his skateboard from the plane to the airport terminal.

http://www.espn.com/blog/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4800679/why-was…

Showing off his dance moves (Maybe he’s not ready for an appearance on “Dancing with the Stars” but he’s got some pretty good moves for a 350 lb guy)

https://twitter.com/WAD1980/status/823711157563359232

Articles on how Branch turned into a beast for the Pats.

http://itiswhatitis.weei.com/sports/newengland/football/patriots/2017/0…

http://www.espn.com/blog/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4800362/alan-br… http://nesn.com/2017/01/alan-branch-an-unsung-hero-in-trenches-for-patr…

Remember him at UM? Here he is after his famous flattening of PSU QB Anthony Morellli.

https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mikedesimone.com%…