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Patriots Super Bowl LI Matchup: Alan Branch vs Falcons’ Running Game

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

Oct 25, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots defensive tackle Alan Branch (97) reacts after sacking New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) during the first quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 25, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots defensive tackle Alan Branch (97) reacts after sacking New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) during the first quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /
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New England Patriots defensive tackle Alan Branch will be the key to limiting the running game of the Atlanta Falcons.

When it comes to unsung heroes on the defensive side of the football for the New England Patriots defensive tackle Alan Branch comes to mind.  He is not flashy, but the 32-year-old veteran has been one of the team’s more consistent performers on the field and will be a factor in limiting the Atlanta Falcons’ offense in Super Bowl LI.

While the Patriots will have their hands full trying to defend the high-powered offense of the Falcons, one of the ways they might try to limit them is to take the ball out of Matt Ryan’s hands and force Atlanta to run the ball.  That is where Branch’s run-stopping ability will come in.

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Standing at 6-foot-6, 350 pounds, Branch has had one of his best seasons in the NFL.  He has been a solid presence in the middle of the defensive line and has set a career-high in tackles with 49.  He has arguably been the best defensive tackle the team has had since Vince Wilfork and his value to the team is definitely recognized by head coach Bill Belichick.

"“Yeah, Alan has done a great job for us, and along with his play, which is certainly significant, one of the things that’s really been impressive about him has been his play time,” Belichick said via The Providence Journal. “So in addition to his overall production he’s played a lot more than he has in quite a while in terms of number of plays. From a production standpoint he’s got, again, quite a few tackles, tackles for loss.“It’s hard to measure the disruptive plays but he’s certainly got his share of those. He’s played very well for us in the running game. He’s given us a presence in the pass rush of a long, physical player in the middle. That’s all been really good, and he’s played more plays, so all of that is good.”"

By forcing Atlanta to run the ball with Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman, New England can limit the passing attack of the Falcons.  However, that strategy will only work if the Patriots defensive line and linebackers can limit the running back duo.

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If Branch puts in the type of performance he has all season long, the Patriots defense should be more than formidable against the run.  In their last 25 games, the Patriots have not allowed a 90-yard rusher.  They will be challenged against Coleman (520 yards rushing) and Freeman (1,079 yards rushing).

Although the challenge will not solely rest on the shoulders of Alan Branch, his performance could set the tone early on in the game and force the Falcons to change their offensive approach which may play into the hands of Matt Patricia and the defensive game plan.

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Want more coverage and analysis of Super Bowl LI?  Keep it locked here at Chowder and Champions.

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