Deion Branch is preparing to face the New England Patriots in a different uniform for the first time. The Indianapolis Colts have signed the veteran wide receiver has many believe the move was to gain an edge over their upcoming playoff opponent. Could Branch give up the secrets to the Patriots' offense? According to head coach Bill Belichick, that idea is overrated.
"I think that's way overrated," said Belichick, via Boston.com. "And a lot of times the information in those situations is sometimes misinformation because things have changed from whenever that person was [there]. I'm not saying that in any particular circumstance, I'm just saying in general. A lot of times you, a player has been with another team, saying that this is what they do, this is their call and this is this, this is that. That's not really what it is. Honestly, I think we have enough trouble doing all the things that we do, and getting it right and getting ready to do it well."
Branch says the Colts will have the edge over the Patriots because of scouting and game preparation not because he will be giving any sort of special insight on the ins and outs of New England. The wide receiver noted, "This is the NFL. I'm sure the scouts...they knew all the ins-and-outs about the Patriots before they thought of bringing me [here]."
The Colts need Branch to help on the field, not off. The team will be without Darrius Heyward-Bey in the game due to a hamstring injury. Now with depth issues, head coach Chuck Pagano stresses the signing was merely to help put more bodies on the field.
"You know it really didn't sit there and factor in. Having had some time spent there, we figured that the questions were going to come up. 'If you're signing this guy who spent time in New England, is it just a coincidence or do you need the guy to help you win a football game," Pagano said.
Branch put up just 145 yards on 16 catches while playing in just 10 games. New England opted not to re-sign him in the offseason. Branch will have to get up to speed quickly as he will be expected to make an impact immediately.
