Patriots Championship Sunday: Alan Branch Key in Maintaining Le’Veon Bell
The New England Patriots defense has a tough challenge ahead in trying to stop Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell.
In preparing to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship Game, the New England Patriots defense know they have quite the challenge in stopping dynamic running back Le’Veon Bell. The team is up or that challenge and one of the key players is veteran defensive tackle Alan Branch.
Coming off one of his more solid seasons in the NFL, Branch has been the team’s most dominant run stuffer throughout the season. His presence and veteran leadership will be crucial in the team’s effort to at least slow down the patient running back. Bell, who has averaged 31.8 touches over his last eight games, can take over the game. Branch knows he can’t get too hyped up because that can get in the way of just making plays.
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"“I never have extra excitement for any game, any team, because I got here doing what I’ve been doing all year,” Branch said via the Boston Herald. “I don’t see any reason to change it. Just go out there, have fun and try to make some plays.”"
Doing his job
With the way Branch has been playing throughout the season, it is hard to question his approach to any game. This being a chance to advance to Super Bowl LI, there must be some excitement entering such a big game and having a chance to stop one of the best. But I’ll tell you this, if the 32-year-old defensive tackle plays the way he did against the Texans a week ago (two run stuffs and two quarterback pressures) Bell’s patience will be challenged.
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Bell, however, is only as dangerous as his offensive line allows him to be. Part of his patience and ability to find holes stems from the play of Pro Bowl offensive linemen like Maurkice Pouncey and David DeCastro. Part of Alan Branch’s job will be to stay in his gap so his teammates can make big plays.
"“We’ve got to do or best to stay on our job, and not to do anyone else’s job and stay in our gaps,” Branch said. “You’ve just go to do your job for the whole game. We can’t relax. We’ve got to stay on top of our game.”"
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Since the Week 7 matchup, Le’Veon Bell has rushed for 1,129 yards, caught the ball for 336 yards and has 13 touchdowns. The Patriots’ defense will have challenge indeed.