Patriots Gridiron News: Chris Long To Make Long-Awaited Playoff Debut

New England Patriots veteran defensive end Chris Long is one of nine players who will make his postseason debut Saturday night.

He didn’t come this far to come this far. When nine-year veteran Chris Long signed a one-year contract with the New England Patriots in the offseason, he knew he would have an opportunity to win and now he is just days away from appearing in his first playoff game.

The 31-year-old defensive end spent eight seasons with the Rams and never had a shot to experience the playoff stage and now as a member of a 14-2 Patriots team, Long not only has a chance to experience the postseason, he has an opportunity to make an impact both on the field and with his leadership.

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"“He gives us a level of experience, high effort, dependable player, works hard,” head coach Bill Belichick said via ESPN. “High effort, a guy that has always played hard and ready to go.”"

Long played in all 16 games this season. He recorded 35 tackles and four sacks. Certainly not dominant numbers, but his fire on the field has inspired his teammates. Fellow defensive end Rob Ninkovich, who has gotten to know Long, says it has been fun watching his buddy and teammate experience winning football and get a chance to experience the postseason.

"“The first day we signed Chris, I reached out to him, and from that day forward, we had a good connection. We’ve had a great time this year,” Ninkovich said. “Throughout the season, I’ve got to know him and hear his story and the things he’s had to go through. Every year here, we have a goal and we’re going toward that goal, while in other places that goal is not attainable. So it’s awesome to see him have the opportunity to continue a season past every season he’s had before, when he’d done the last week in December.”"

Long will join veterans Shea McClellin, Dion Lewis, Barkevious Mingo and Chris Hogan in making their playoff debut on Saturday night.

Alan Branch: Veteran defensive tackle Alan Branch has missed his second consecutive practice session Tuesday. As the team prepares to take on the Houston Texans on Saturday, Branch’s absence is a little concerning as he has been the team’s most consistent defensive lineman.

Branch’s absence Thursday and Tuesday was for undisclosed reasons. It will be worth monitoring if and when he returns to the practice field.

Next: Boston Celtics Coach Brad Stevens Focused On Winning

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