Branch could become a Jet and learn the playbook by the 1st game.....The guys that have been around don't need much time to learn the playbook. I'm sure he's been working out like most guys do.
Getting a gamebreaker like Branch? He could show up with a six pack of beer under one arm and a bong under the other..and I would be all smiles. This front office has some set of balls on them...lol. They said when hired that they would work the wires...work the phones...nobody would outwork them..and so far that is one promise they have lived up to. Impressive...very impressive just to have the guts to go after this guy.
This is funny, article from the Boston Herald on BB interview Branch situation..BB is at a loss for words If there’s been a stranger conference call in history than the one that just took place with Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, I’m not sure I want to hear it. Naturally, the topic on everyone’s mind was Deion Branch, between reports that he’s agreed to deals with the Jets and Seahawks, that he’s filed a grievance against the team, and that he could hold out until November. Belichick didn’t feel like answering those questions, however, referring instead to a two-sentence statement reading, “No trade has been consummated. Deion Branch remains under contract to the New England Patriots.” Belichick was asked a question about Branch and the grievance. He referred to the statement. He answered a couple of questions about cuts, and then the Branch questions started again. And here’s where things got weird. Question: “You say in the statement that no deal has been consummated. Is today’s deadline hard and fast, or might you do something in the future?” Belichick: “I don’t have anything else to add.” Question: “Did you miscalculate Deion Branch’s value on the open market.” Belichick: **silence** The silence was uncomfortably long. It felt like 30 seconds. The question was repeated. Belichick: “I’ll just have to let the statement speak for itself.” Question: “It doesn’t say anything. That’s the problem with the statement. It doesn’t say anything. Did you miscalculate his value on the open market? The statement doesn’t address that.” Belichick: **silence** Question: “Is there a problem on the line?” Crickets chirp. Tumbleweeds tumble. A solitary hawk shrieks. PR director Stacey James: “Any more questions?” Reporters: **silence** And that was the end of that.
Am I the only one here who just doesn't understand this love affair with Deion Branch? Sure he was a SB MVP. However, that was is a one-game award and really doesn't mean a whole lot in terms of future performance. All I read is that Branch is supposed to be a breakaway receiver. However, his YPC is significantly less than McCareins's. For all the excitement Branch's gamebreaking YPC barely beats Chrebet's. In fact McCarein's and Branch's total yards (I know stats aren't end all and be all) over the last four years are almost identical. Throw in the fact that Branch has had one of the best QB's in the game throwing to him and McCareins has had Pennington (not a strong arm), Vinny, and Bolly throwing to him over the last two years the proposition that Branch is 10X the receiver that McCareins is misguided (IMHO). Did McCareins have a subpar year and give up on too many balls? Yes. However, it's possible that he can bounce back and be productive. Paying Branch $6.5M per year and giving up a draft pick is way too much and I'm glad this deal fell through. I think that this will be one of the examples where the best deals turn out to be the ones you don't make.
I would be all smiles if anyone shows up with a 6 and a bong and is willing to share :smile: I think even most veterens need time to adjust after missing training camp (especially a Mangini camp), and can't digest an entire playbook in a week. Sure they will adjust much faster than rookies and younger players, but I think they would be limited for the first couple of games. I agree with you about the FO. It's about time we had an agressive one.
You make some very good points. Cant speak for everybody here....all I will say is this. When Johnny Damon signed with the Yanks..was he the best centerfielder in the majors? No...all the Yanks did was stick another knife in the back of the Red Sox. There is more to this signing than just getting a very good receiver...which he is. I cant see how you could compare him to jmac though. This guy..like Damon...is a big game guy. By even going after him...the Jet front office is looking to kick the Patriots while they are slowly sinking. The Pats have lost a lot...A LOT..of key players..and their receiver core without Branch is not even average anymore. Its a message to the Pats front office that they now have another front office in their division that will work harder than they have the last year..and most importantly..and I cant stress this enough...ARE NOT INTIMIDATED BY THEM. I said it before....this was a gutty move..and its much bigger than just going for a Branch..its a message..albeit off the field...that this front office is not going to settle for the Junior Seau's of the world. Something tells me that this week..with the final cuts coming up..and almost 8 million in salary cap room...this week will be a pretty busy one for this front office and coaching staff. If we have learned anything this week...these guys mean business. Just because the names are Bollinger and Jolley...those were moves that the previous regime couldnt even dream up. Remember...we picked up an extra second round pick on draft day...now two undisclosed picks for two player that wouldnt even be on the roster (unless they went out and cut Ramsey..which is a good argument...Bollinger...and I liked him...was a goner). Going after Branch is bigger than the player..its a message. If anyone thought for a second that the little thirty something Mangini, the guy that press has labeled and unfit for the public, would be in awe of his teacher...just read that press conference with BB and tell me whos on the defensive now. Now the pats have a problem...do you make Branch report and know you will watch him walk after this year and get nothing? Or do you take the second round pick from the seahawks or the Jets...the same Jets that picked up that throw in extra second round pick. It would be more of a gamble thinking you can get a big game receiver like Branch with that pick..then the real deal. A guy that had 11 catches for 133 yards in a superbowl game. If Jmac ever had a regular season game like that, he would have the press clippings from that game put on display over his bed. The bottom line is whether its Branch...or someone else..this team will get their playmakers somehow. For those that destroyed them for not going after hit or miss playmakers in the draft..and instead at minimum brought stability to a depleted offensive line..the playmakers are coming. It may be next year..but they are coming.
I would not call that a loss for words. He simply was not going to discuss the situation. I hate that about the media, they keep on like they are using a crow-bar or something on a person getting information. Like they are going to crack at any moment and spill their guts. He says he ain't talking about it, then STFU about it already. Good grief.
I agree with you totally...the press is annoying...and I always loved the way BB and Parcells handled them. Bottom line is that Pats have a little bit of a problem. This team cant continue to lose playmakers that Brady relies on. Will Branch eventually report? He would be a fool not to. Hes a free agent after this year..and the Pats will either get a second round pick this year and have no real threat for Brady...or get basically nothing next year.
I understand your points. I don't have any problem with gong after someone aggressively. However, I just don't see wher Branch has proven that he a top-tier "#1" receiver. To me I just don't see where he's worth that amount of money.
It could be the Jets and Seahawks are looking as much at next year's anticipated WR free agents and figuring to strike while the iron's hot. The list of pass-catchers ain't all that sparkling next year. Drew Bennett, UFA, Tennessee Titans Deion Branch, UFA, New England Patriots Kevin Curtis, UFA, St. Louis Rams David Boston, UFA, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Tyrone Calico, UFA, Tennessee Titans Patrick Crayton, RFA, Dallas Cowboys Andre' Davis, UFA, Buffalo Bills Bobby Engram, UFA, Seattle Seahawks Justin Gage, UFA, Chicago Bears D.J. Hackett, RFA, Seattle Seahawks Keenan McCardell, UFA, San Diego Chargers Shaun McDonald, UFA, St. Louis Rams Samie Parker, RFA, Kansas City Chiefs Jerome Pathon, UFA, Atlanta Falcons Willie Ponder, UFA, New York Giants Edell Shepherd, RFA, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Travis Taylor, UFA, Minnesota Vikings Scottie Vines, RFA, Detroit Lions Bobby Wade, UFA, Tennessee Titans Javon Walker, UFA, Denver Broncos Peter Warrick, UFA, Seattle Seahawks Kelley Washington, UFA, Cincinnati Bengals Alvis Whitted, UFA, Oakland Raiders Ernest Wilford, RFA, Jacksonville Jaguars
jaywayne, I won't quote out your big post, but that was a very intelligent view on the situation, and I totally agree. Whether the FO is even interested in Branch is irrelevant. The Jets stabbed the Pats in the chest with this fiasco. They've created discontent between a player, and the team. Who knows how much Branch is liked in the clubhouse as well. This could potentially be a powderkeg. The fact at this point is that Branch will not be a Patriot by the time the next draft occurs. Now the only question for NE is whether they receive value for him. The longer they wait, the lower the asking price is going to be. Another thorn for the Pats is the high asking price Branch is getting. Right now, except for the Jets and Seahawks, how many teams are willing to put that type of contract on the table? The NE stance against Branch has put a spotlight on how much he will demand, and I didn't see any other teams jumping at the chance to match the $36M offer yesterday, and there was more than enough time to do it. The Pats are a smart organization. I don't see them waiting this out for very long. I'm actually willing to bet that they are busy on the phones themselves, looking around the league for another bidder to come in and at least up the ante for the Jets and 'Hawks now. I'm also willing to bet that they will have a lot of trouble finding that. Like I said, I don't see many teams jumping to offer Branch 6/36M. Add that to the fact that right now, the Pats are the Yankees of the league (hated by everyone for their current dynasty,) and you have very little interest in helping out Belli and the boys.
Could not agree more...you hit the nail on the head. This is much more than the Jets going after Branch..does anyone really believe that Jets had a chance? Not sure..but did anyone ever believe the Jets had a chance for Curtis Martin years ago? This front office is on the offensive...a real rarity in the NFL. Its almost..ALMOST..more interesting and important then whats going on...on the field at this very moment.
Deion Branch for anything more then a second round pick (Washington's) is a big fat joke. We are a rebuilding team, getting a 800 yard receiver or a 1200 yard receiver isn't the difference in going 4-12 or 8-8. Get over it. "Sexy" moves like this aren't going to make the slightest of difference. Building our lines and finding out the QB of the future, however, will.
Branch still is young and fits a "rebuilding" mode, though. He can help us this year as well as the future.
What difference would it make who the qb is right now. You have no deep threat..you have no number 1 receiver. Its a roster filled with possesion receivers. Additon by subraction is a great move...take one of theirs and make him yours. Now, its not going to happen...at least we would be shocked if it did. Its still very interesting that this front office would even think to pursue it. It should tell us that they will go after anything that moves if it helps the team...which is exactly what they stated when hired. Thats the key point to me. They practice what they preach..and after being bullshited for 5 years...thats good enough for me right now. So many posters (not pointing out you) always react to these attempted moves by saying "whats the difference between going 4-12 and 7-9". I dont understand that logic. Would it appease those that feel that way if they just sat back and waited for the draft the next 3 years? I dont understand that. Nobody is saying that getting someone of his caliber will make this team a playoff team or superbowl team...but it brings you closer and solves a problem..and thats what they were hired to do...no?
Patriots | Team acquires Gabriel from Oakland Sat, 2 Sep 2006 13:02:21 -0700 Jerry McDonald, of ANG Newspapers, reports the Oakland Raiders have traded WR Doug Gabriel to the New England Patriots. The compensation for Gabriel has not been announced yet. The Patriots, with starting WR Deion Branch in a rancorous holdout, were in the market for a receiver. So I would say, the deal could go through soon with somebody...
i still don't get how the jets will be able to afford Branch we offered him a good deal, which would have made his contract in the top-5 receviers and he said no. he is a great player but Brady makes him look better than he is. he deffinitly would not b a in thr top5 4 the leauge at the jets
