Belichick praises Branch, Vinatieri

Legit roster acquisition or chance at insight towards some of the Patriots' schemes? Regardless the reason, former Super Bowl MVP and Patriot wide receiver Deion Branch is now a member of the Indianapolis Colts. After spending a majority of his career in Foxboro, Branch will now return to Foxboro once again this Saturday, but as an opponent. Patriots coach Bill Belichick however, never saw this as an act of betrayal but simply an opportunity for Branch to continue his career:

“Deion had a great career here,” Belichick said, via Tom Curran of CSNNE.com. “I think he was here for seven years or north thereof. Very smart, professional player. Great leader. One of the top guys we’ve had here in terms of off the field work ethic, leadership, intelligence, preparation, all those things. He had some very productive seasons here. He’s a tremendous person. He’s had a great career.”

Though the Colts are indeed thin at the wide receiver position, the signing of Branch will still more than likely have at least something to do with his prior knowledge of the way the Patriots run things. This knowledge is especially valuable in the playoffs' win-or-go-home scenario. It is clear though that the Pats understand this is part of the game and exhibit no hard feelings. Belichick's praise continued when the subject was changed towards former Patriot and current Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri:

“I have the utmost respect for Adam and the way he approaches his job, the way he does his job,” Belichick said. “It really seems like every year, you turn on the film and he’s making 50-yard field goals and kicking them right down the middle and doing the same things that he did 17, 18 years ago, however long it’s been since ’96. He’s a great player and a Hall of Fame kicker if there ever was one.”

It must be hard to hate a guy who helped win three Super Bowls, two of which Vinatieri hit game winning field goals. Sure, he may have left on somewhat sour conditions but that really doesn't mean much anymore. After looking back, there really is no need to have bad feelings towards Vinatieri. Of course, it would still be nice for the Patriots to get another jab at these both Vinatieri and Branch with a victory on Saturday.

Anthony Aidonidis
@aidonidis18