Branch still working to be part of receiving corps
With so many additions during the offseason, and, of course, the
looming presence of tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez, it's
easy to overlook the veteran wide receiver who remains a wild card
entering his 12th season.
Former Super Bowl MVP
Deion Branch is back for his seventh season in New England, which spans
two stints - the first beginning in his rookie year of 2002 and running
until 2005, and the second beginning in 2010 when the Patriots
reacquired him following his disastrous tenure in Seattle.
As previously stated, it's easy for Branch to get lost in the shuffle
considering the additions of Brandon Lloyd, Jabar Gaffney and Donte Stallworth, but Branch is still one of Tom Brady's favorite targets,
stemming largely from his efforts in 2003 and 2005 when he combined for
more than 120 catches and eight touchdowns.
Though
he'll turn 33 in July, Branch figures to have a few more miles left on
his 5-9 frame, and with more help on deep routes, he could be the
unforgotten weapon in the passing game.
"I'm
enjoying the new things that we're doing," Branch said this week at
team workouts. "(I'm) just trying to keep up on everything as much as I
can. Coach got all the guys, asking them to do a lot of things."
Branch is particularly excited to be reunited with former offensive
coordinator Josh McDaniels, who officially rejoined the team during the
offseason after a brief stint as Broncos' head coach and Rams offensive
coordinator. McDaniels was the architect of New England's offense
during Branch's most successful season in 2005.
"I
had him my last year, which was a great year," he said. "We didn't
finish how we wanted to, but it was a great season. I think having him
back here with all the new things that he's picked up is good."
Even if he doesn't replicate those numbers from 2005 under McDaniels'
guidance (he caught 78 passes for 998 yards that season), Branch can
serve as occasional deep threat and liaison between Brady and the
younger receivers, many of whom will be relied upon to produce in 2013.
"Always," Branch said when asked if he is helping out the rookies, "and
at the same time we're just trying to pick up some new things as well.
Josh is throwing a lot of different wrinkles at us, and I think the
guys are doing a great job."
The competition
doesn't worry Branch; though there's a chance he could fall victim to
the numbers game at the end of training camp, he enjoys the camaraderie
and the rivalries that develop over the course of time, even if they
threaten his job security.
"It's always good (to
have competition), and lot of fun, too - a lot of fun," Branch said.
"We're having a lot of fun, and we're enjoying it. There's a lot of
different things in. (Not) too much playing going on right now, because
everybody's still picking up all the different things."
After a disappointing loss in the Super Bowl, there won't be much
"playing" in camp this summer, other than the occasional lighthearted
humor to break up the monotony. This team is on a mission, much as it
is every year, and there's the realization that the window of
opportunity could be closing soon. Veterans such as Branch are among
those who are on the final few laps, and they're looking to deliver
soon in order to maximize the potential of the younger players on the
roster.
Nonetheless, when asked if he's had time to
reflect on his career up until this point, Branch said, "Not really."
He's following the company line, which is win at all costs.
"I'm enjoying it. I love it each and every day I'm out there with the
guys," he said. "We're having fun. They make me feel young."
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