Deion Branch with and without Hernandez (1 Viewer)

[Ladsud]

With, 22/296/1 on 28 targets in 3 games.

Without, 1/4/1 on 6 targets in 2 games.

Does Hernandez have that much effect on the game, 3 games with him the ball gets spread around, when hes out the ball is fed to Welker play after play. Should Branch be expected to be a solid wr every week as long as Hernandez is lining up?

I feel pretty good starting Branch against Dallas this weekend.

 

[DexterDew]

i tried to make this point in Twitter land this past week and it fell upon deaf ears...

when NE runs with 2 WR and 2 TE, Branch has produced very well. I think it is because opposing DEF are focusing on Welker/Gronk/Hernandez and Branch may end up exploiting the zone or single coverage.

i would start him with confidence

 

[Dought Man]

8/124/2 this week. Dallas has made it clear that they dont want the TE's beating them. Branch will see single coverage all game.

 

[Ray_T]

From what I can tell, Hernandez creates matchup problems for secondaries because the average Linebacker cannot cover him. This means a team has to use a DB to cover him if they dont want to get burned.

The inevitable consequence is that guys like Branch will get less attention from the defense. Welker wont enjoy any benefit from this as teams likely feel he is too dangerous to leave alone.

so the end result: Top WR(welker) takes top DB/corner. Top TE takes next best DB/corner (most likely) and #2 WR (Branch) gets the #3 cover guy Whether that is a DB. Most likely this opens up for Brady to spread the ball evenly with good results no matter where Brady goes.

It is likely that only 3 or 4 teams in the NFL that have the Depth and the personell to deal with these matchup problems.

The Saints had the same issue when they brought in Reggie Bush. He did more to help the passing game than he did the run game, and it would appear that Sproles and jimmy Graham will accomplish the same there.

It will take a year or two for defenses to adjust, but it is clear that Hernandez helps the pats offense by more than just his own numbers.

 

[TarheelBlue]

From what I can tell, Hernandez creates matchup problems for secondaries because the average Linebacker cannot cover him. This means a team has to use a DB to cover him if they dont want to get burned.The inevitable consequence is that guys like Branch will get less attention from the defense. Welker wont enjoy any benefit from this as teams likely feel he is too dangerous to leave alone.so the end result: Top WR(welker) takes top DB/corner. Top TE takes next best DB/corner (most likely) and #2 WR (Branch) gets the #3 cover guy Whether that is a DB. Most likely this opens up for Brady to spread the ball evenly with good results no matter where Brady goes.It is likely that only 3 or 4 teams in the NFL that have the Depth and the personell to deal with these matchup problems. The Saints had the same issue when they brought in Reggie Bush. He did more to help the passing game than he did the run game, and it would appear that Sproles and jimmy Graham will accomplish the same there.It will take a year or two for defenses to adjust, but it is clear that Hernandez helps the pats offense by more than just his own numbers.

 

[Run It Up]

From what I can tell, Hernandez creates matchup problems for secondaries because the average Linebacker cannot cover him. This means a team has to use a DB to cover him if they dont want to get burned.The inevitable consequence is that guys like Branch will get less attention from the defense. Welker wont enjoy any benefit from this as teams likely feel he is too dangerous to leave alone.so the end result: Top WR(welker) takes top DB/corner. Top TE takes next best DB/corner (most likely) and #2 WR (Branch) gets the #3 cover guy Whether that is a DB. Most likely this opens up for Brady to spread the ball evenly with good results no matter where Brady goes.It is likely that only 3 or 4 teams in the NFL that have the Depth and the personell to deal with these matchup problems. The Saints had the same issue when they brought in Reggie Bush. He did more to help the passing game than he did the run game, and it would appear that Sproles and jimmy Graham will accomplish the same there.It will take a year or two for defenses to adjust, but it is clear that Hernandez helps the pats offense by more than just his own numbers.

Theyve already adjusted, it started last year when the Jets decided to just drop 6-7 DBs on the field and play in man coverage, rush 4 drop back 7. Bills did it with some relative success, the Raiders tried to do it.The biggest advantage the Pats have is that their #4 option (branch) is the only one that doesnt create a missmatch. Almost no one in the league can cover Welker, you cant bump him on the line - because he isnt on the line. No one in the league can cover Gronk, because hes 6'6" 265 and is quick and fast. Very few people in the league can cover Hernandez he'll outpace most LBs and will jump over most DBs. Its just a machine of an offense and when its performing Woodhead and Branch will be the recipient of some easily exploitable situations.

 

[Road Warriors]

From what I can tell, Hernandez creates matchup problems for secondaries because the average Linebacker cannot cover him. This means a team has to use a DB to cover him if they dont want to get burned.The inevitable consequence is that guys like Branch will get less attention from the defense. Welker wont enjoy any benefit from this as teams likely feel he is too dangerous to leave alone.so the end result: Top WR(welker) takes top DB/corner. Top TE takes next best DB/corner (most likely) and #2 WR (Branch) gets the #3 cover guy Whether that is a DB. Most likely this opens up for Brady to spread the ball evenly with good results no matter where Brady goes.It is likely that only 3 or 4 teams in the NFL that have the Depth and the personell to deal with these matchup problems. The Saints had the same issue when they brought in Reggie Bush. He did more to help the passing game than he did the run game, and it would appear that Sproles and jimmy Graham will accomplish the same there.It will take a year or two for defenses to adjust, but it is clear that Hernandez helps the pats offense by more than just his own numbers.

Theyve already adjusted, it started last year when the Jets decided to just drop 6-7 DBs on the field and play in man coverage, rush 4 drop back 7. Bills did it with some relative success, the Raiders tried to do it.The biggest advantage the Pats have is that their #4 option (branch) is the only one that doesnt create a missmatch. Almost no one in the league can cover Welker, you cant bump him on the line - because he isnt on the line. No one in the league can cover Gronk, because hes 6'6" 265 and is quick and fast. Very few people in the league can cover Hernandez he'll outpace most LBs and will jump over most DBs. Its just a machine of an offense and when its performing Woodhead and Branch will be the recipient of some easily exploitable situations.

Add to that very few teams can get consistent pressure rushing only 4 against a top O line, and this is why the NE offense is so hard to defend. Brady with time paired with heady receivers that find openings in coverage is a deadly mix. I see BAL as a tough matchup, along with NYJ, DET and DAL. All teams that can get after the QB with their front 4.