Patriots Player Profile: Deion Branch
BOSTON (CBS) -Patriots receiver Deion Branch will get to enjoy his first full season in New England since 2005 when he put up career numbers. Will he replicate them in 2011?
2010 Stats: 61 receptions (48 w/ NE), 818 yards (706), 6 touchdowns (5)
Branch was acquired by the Patriots after they shipped Randy Moss to Minnesota, and had his best season since leaving New England in 2005. He set a new career-high with six touchdowns and had the second most receptions of his career (61). What a difference it makes having Tom Brady throwing the football to you.
In his first game back with the Pats, Branch caught nine passes for 98 yards and a score in an overtime win against the Ravens. On Thanksgiving Day, Branch torched the Lions in Detroit for a pair of touchdowns; a 79 yard catch-and-run beauty and a 22 yarder in the 45-24 romp. He made an electrifying 59-yard catch-and-run touchdown right before halftime against the Bears , and finished the 33-7 blowout with a career-high 151 yards.
In 2010, Branch looked like the player that was named MVP of Super Bowl XXXIX against the Philadelphia Eagles. It looked like he and Tom Brady were back on the same page instantly, and the receiver meshed great with the Patriots other catch-and-run threat, Wes Welker. Without Moss, and with Branch, Brady was able to distribute the ball without the fear of upsetting anyone. Branch was meant to be a Patriot, and it was good to have him back for all parties.
2011 Outlook: With a season back in the system that made him so successful, there is little doubt that Branch can thrive again. Catches will be hard to come by, with Chad Ochocinco added to the mix, but Branch and Co. won't complain about numbers as long as the Patriots win games. Word out of camp is that Branch and Welker have both been teaching Ocho the system, so his addition is welcomed by the Pats receiver group. In the long-run he will just make Branch's job easier, spreading the defense for his quick routes.
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It's unlikely Branch will have another year like 2005 (78 recs, 998 yds) but it is not far-fetched to expect solid numbers with a fair amount of touchdown celebrations.
The only question is: whose will be better, Deion's or Ocho's?
