New England Patriots: 7 best players Tom Brady threw TD’s to over his career
Deion Branch
Once Brady solidified himself as a quality starting Super Bowl winning quarterback, the New England Patriots found it necessary to obtain more receivers who had similar and winning characteristics that could pair well with Brady. The Patriots then drafted Deion Branch in the second-round (65th overall) in the 2002 NFL Draft.
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Although the end of his regular season was cut short due to a leg injury, Branch had a rather productive rookie season for the reigning Super Bowl champions, something we have later learned is no easy accomplishment in New England. He finished his rookie season with 43 receptions for 489 yards and two touchdowns. What was most impressive was his 63.2 catch percentage.
The following year, Branch had a firmer grip on Brady’s expectations, as well as the playbook. He led the team with 57 receptions for 803 yards and three touchdowns en route to his first Super Bowl appearance with Brady and the Patriots, which was the team’s second trip to the big game in a three-year span.
Branch continued his stellar season and the second-year receiver had 10 receptions for 143 yards and one touchdown in the Patriots’ victory over the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl XXXVIII.
In 2004, after getting injured at the beginning of the season, Branch had a slow start to his third season, but would later become Mr. Reliable by the end of the season.
The Patriots advanced to the AFC Championship Game against the Pittsburgh Steelers where Branch would catch a 60-yard touchdown pass from Brady to help propel the Patriots to their third Super Bowl (XXXIX) in a four-year stretch.
In Super Bowl XXXIX against the Philadelphia Eagles, Branch tied a Super Bowl record 11 receptions for 133 yards, en route to earning Super Bowl MVP honors, becoming the first wide receiver to do so since 1989. The Patriots defeated the Eagles and Branch earned his second Super Bowl ring.
Due to failed contract negotiations in 2006, Branch was allowed permission from the Patriots to seek trade opportunities for himself. In doing so, Branch held himself out of mandatory offseason workouts and practices that led to him being fined by the team.
In the end, Branch won the grievance he filed against the Patriots and was traded to the Seattle Seahawks for the return of a first-round draft pick.
Branch would rejoin the New England Patriots for a second stint in 2010 and he would eventually retire with the team that drafted him in 2012. In seven total seasons with the Patriots, Branch would catch 24 touchdown passes in the regular season and four touchdowns in the postseason from Tom Brady over his career.