No doubt Branch made the play of the game. My guess is some G.M. overpays him big-time. Let's see how he does the last 3 games. Caldwell will have a tough decision if he gets a few more sacks before the end of the season. Not sure what I'd do since it does take some players a while before "the light comes on."
Quote:No doubt Branch made the play of the game. My guess is some G.M. overpays him big-time. Let's see how he does the last 3 games. Caldwell will have a tough decision if he gets a few more sacks before the end of the season. Not sure what I'd do since it does take some players a while before "the light comes on."
I'd let him go. Caldwell is good at finding talent, and a one dimensional player will be easy for him. I like branch, always have, but I was wrong about what he could be. I don't usually think "the light has come on". Rather, I think, "It's a contract year and this happens all the time." For his future, I hope he continues to do good, but I don't think he is a MUST keep.
Great game by Andre. I hope he's able to use the tape from this game to find him a nice home next year in free agency, but as for the Jaguars I don't see him as a fit for this defense. He's not an ideal 3-4 LDE like Odrick nor an ideal LEO. I do wish him the best of luck, and thank him for finally showing up on the field.
I see what Branch did in this game as a type of Mercedes Lewis type tactic. Branch's contract is up at the end of this season... so, he's doing like what Lewis did, and actually 'putting out' now at the end of the season so that this is what is most fresh in the memory of the GM. He could've done this earlier, but has waited until his job is on the line. This is the kind of guy this franchise would be better off without. There are pro football players, and then there are pro mercenaries in football uniforms who only do what they have to so that they might keep their job. Well, as far as I'm concerned, Branch falls in the second category. He, like M. Lewis, only starts playing winning football when his job is on the line. Don't re-sign this type loser. He proved he could do better when he wants to. Let him walk.
He made a difference in the game.
He made a huge play at a very critical point in the game.
Quote:Hmm, was this a fluke game? He was really productive today and in my opinion changed the game with that TD.
Good game, but out of how many??
Just not enough good games to re-sign him IMO
I believe he had the quadfecta with the sack, forced fumble, fumble recovery ant the td.
Quote:I see what Branch did in this game as a type of Mercedes Lewis type tactic. Branch's contract is up at the end of this season... so, he's doing like what Lewis did, and actually 'putting out' now at the end of the season so that this is what is most fresh in the memory of the GM. He could've done this earlier, but has waited until his job is on the line. This is the kind of guy this franchise would be better off without. There are pro football players, and then there are pro mercenaries in football uniforms who only do what they have to so that they might keep their job. Well, as far as I'm concerned, Branch falls in the second category. He, like M. Lewis, only starts playing winning football when his job is on the line. Don't re-sign this type loser. He proved he could do better when he wants to. Let him walk.
An ill conceived piece, in my view
The player does not decide to be average the first 3.5 years and turn it up on his OWN accord in the last 0.5 to secure an extension
You can argue that he's putting forth more effort to ensure longevity, which we all should do in our jobs, human nature
I don't think he stays either, but he will be signed by someone, and will get some change. Pedigree (2nd rounder), age, and position are all in his favor. Plus he passes the eye test.
Quote:No doubt Branch made the play of the game. My guess is some G.M. overpays him big-time. Let's see how he does the last 3 games. Caldwell will have a tough decision if he gets a few more sacks before the end of the season. Not sure what I'd do since it does take some players a while before "the light comes on."
I'm of the opinion that he may just be "getting it."
Sign him and keep him in the rotation, fighting for time.
And no, I didn't expect to have come to this conclusion. I'd already written him off.
Exactly, if Clem is gone, which he should be, I won't drain the position of 'experience' by offing Branch too. With kats like Chris Smith likely gone (especially if Gus is around) and the likes of Arbry Jones and Alualu on the fence they have some maneuvering to do.
The Jags should have better options available to them than Branch