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Patriots Gridiron News: Rob Ninkovich Helped Branch Secure Super Bowl Fumble

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

Dec 18, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots outside linebacker Rob Ninkovich (50) and outside linebacker Shea McClellin (58) react following the win over the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field. The Patriots defeated the Broncos 16-3. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots outside linebacker Rob Ninkovich (50) and outside linebacker Shea McClellin (58) react following the win over the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field. The Patriots defeated the Broncos 16-3. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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New England Patriots defensive tackle Alan Branch shared how teammate Rob Ninkovich helped him secure the Super Bowl fumble that catapulted the comeback.

So many moments, so many stories.  Days following the New England Patriots Super Bowl LI 34-28 overtime win over the Atlanta Falcons, players like defensive tackle Alan Branch are still reminiscing over the historic comeback and rightfully so.  It took a total team effort where even the little things played a big role. 

Take the fourth-quarter strip sack by Dont’a Hightower.  With the team down 28-12 at the time, the play not only made the comeback an easier task, it sparked a total momentum swing.  As the player who recovered the fumble, Branch recalled the moment and how fellow teammate Rob Ninkovich took extreme measures to helped him secure the ball.

"“I was trying to scoop it out but I couldn’t move my arm,” Branch said in an appearance on SiriusXM NFL Radio via the Sporting News.  “Rob started to punch the ball to where it was inside my breadbasket.  He punched it just enough where it spit up in front of my belly and I was able to cover it up.”"

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Branch went on to say that he felt he would’ve recovered the fumble without the help of Ninkovich, but that type of play and that type of moment further exemplifies the type of team the Patriots are.  He did admit that he was unsure whether it was even a turnover, but didn’t stop playing until he heard a whistle.

"“I didn’t know if it was an incomplete pass or a fumble,” he continued.  “But with the Patriots defense, (coaches) tell you it doesn’t matter – fall on the ball and let the refs sort it out.  So I jumped on the ball.”"

And Patriots Nation is glad you did Alan Branch.

James White gets his truck  

Super Bowl hero James White received a nice surprise during his appearance on Conan O’Brien.

The New England Patriots running back received a brand-new truck courtesy of the late- night host.  Unless you have been sleeping under a rock this week, you know that White scored the game-winning touchdown in overtime of the team’s Super Bowl LI victory.

Overall, the Wisconsin alum caught a record 14 passes and scored 3 touchdowns in total including a 2-pt conversion.  Following the game Super Bowl MVP Tom Brady said he would consider giving White the MVP truck, except there wasn’t a truck to give.

So Conan O’Brien made it happen.

Next: New Red Sox Ace Chris Sale Already Making Great Impressions

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