Deion Branches out to Boston…againOctober 21, 2010
by Nicole McAdam
Two weeks ago, the vast majority of the sports world anticipated the demise of the New England Patriots’ 2010 season with the trade of future Hall of Famer, Randy Moss. By Sunday evening, those naysayers were beginning to realize that those reports were both premature and greatly exaggerated. Without the fleet footed #81 to stretch the field, who would the Patriots then turn to? None other than their old friend, Deion Branch.
Four seasons had passed since the last time Branch donned a Patriots uniform. After his holdout from a contract dispute to start the 2006 season, New England traded Branch to the Seattle Seahawks for a first round pick in the 2007 Draft. (That draft pick subsequently led to the selection of Branch’s hard-hitting teammate, Brandon Meriweather.) The real irony in that fact is that Branch turned down a 6-year, $36 million offer from New England for a 6-year, $39 million contract in Seattle. In order for the trade back to New England to be possible, Branch had to lower his 2011 compensation by $3.65 million, making his original contract now worth $35.35 million. Would the years lost, turmoil of contract disputes of the past and an obvious productivity decline allow for a seamless transition back to Foxboro? If you watched the game Sunday, I think it’s safe to say the answer to that question is a resounding yes.
Heading into Sunday’s match up with Baltimore, many skeptics doubted the Patriots’ ability to walk away from the field with a victory. And, if you ask me, rightfully so. After all, they were going to be taking on a top 10 offense and defense while sporting a suspect defense and a new look offense, sans Randy Moss. Not to mention this was the same Baltimore team that humiliated them on their home turf in the Wild Card round of the playoffs last season, 33-14. Even prior to the Moss trade, it was reasonable to think this game would be a challenge for New England. Realistically, what kind of impact could a 31-year old receiver who hasn’t played in a Bill Belichik offense in over 4 years and has put up relatively pedestrian numbers in the meantime actually have on this game?
How about nine catches, 98 yards and a TD? In fact, there were times where it seemed as if Branch never left New England. Brady quickly re-established chemistry with his once favorite target, conjuring up memories of Branch’s two Super Bowl MVP-worthy performances totaling 21 catches for 276 yards and a TD. The ease of their connection and their ability to make big plays at key moments in the game proved what many around the game have known for years: Deion Branch is at home in New England.
Welcome back, Deion.
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