Hate to say it, dude but letting Branch go was a huge mistake. When your top receiving threat(Caldwell) gets only 12 yards receiving, Well.......that doesn't bode well for the post season. But the get Marouny back next week, right?
That is incorrect. Tom Brady had no time to throw the ball yesterday. It had nothing to do with the the receivers. Here are Caldwells stats vs Dion's up until the 12th game this season.
Reche Caldwell 12 games, 46 catches,574 yards 3 tds
Dion Branch 10 games, 38, catches, 518 yards 4 tdsDion Branch was a great player. Of course we miss him. But, the national media does not tell the whole story. The pats wanted to wait to restructure Dion's contract since he was
under contract until next year. Dion wanted big money ( Top receiver money) before his contract was up.Dion Branch is not a top reciever. If you let him break a contract everyone is going to do it. You cannot let someone demand a contract restructure while they are still under a active contract. Every key player on the team would pull it. Dion was asking for way to much money. Not only that, he was blackmailing the pats. The pats told Dion they would restructure after his current contract was up. He would not do it. None of you who talk about "the pats just letting him go" mention this.
Still, the pats offered Branch a fair dea,l and he turned it down. Dion was demanding TO type money. Dion is a great player. But, not even a top 20 receiver. Hell, Dion is not even in the top 30 this year. Why would the pats let him break his current contract,pay him
top receiver money when he is not a top receiver in the league? Pay him like a TO, Smith or Wayne? Why would the pats let Dion blackmail them with threats? He was under contract. You let Dion do that it sets a BAD example for the other players who want more money.Everyone thinks they should make more money. Of course we loved Dion out here. But, most you guys don't even know what you are talking about. ESPN is about the worst source for internal information ever.
I loved Dion. But, he has not done much in Seattle this year. Actually, I heard some Seattle fans where upset with how much they overpayed him and neglected others. The pats are 9 - 4. People need to relax. They are not as strong as the superbowl teams in the past ( besides 2001). But, with Harrison, Maroney,Watson and Wilfork back they will be a threat in the postseason. I never said they would run the table
There is alot of jealousy towards the pats. People hate how they won 3 superbowls in 5 years. People just want to see them lose. They are a good football team. If they play well (do not kill themselves with penalties,rookies making mistakes and sloppy play). If we get some key players back(which will will) we have a shot to beat anyone. This team moved the ball fine against the Chicago bears defense. They played better d then the bears did. The pats also had 5 turnovers handed to the bears in that game. Dont write them off just yet. They are not a powerhouse like they used to be. But, they are still a good football team. When playing well they can off anyone in the playoffs. Bill has won three superbowls in the last 5 years. I would think he know what he is doing.