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New England Patriots Friday conversation: Week 4

By Connor Fulton

Jul 28, 2016; Foxboro, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7), quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) and quarterback Tom Brady (12) during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 28, 2016; Foxboro, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7), quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) and quarterback Tom Brady (12) during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Alan Branch Patriots
Alan Branch (97) of the Patriots. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Hal Bent:  I am going to look to veteran defensive tackle Alan Branch to be in the middle of the defense to slow down McCoy. Branch gets overlooked with the strong play of second-year defensive tackle Malcom Brown and rookie Vincent Valentine. Branch is 32 years old and had his one-week team suspension during the preseason, but has started the season strong. Being part of a rotation with Valentine and Brown has kept him fresh.

Branch’s experience is a key to his success and he is well-skilled at two-gap technique and still have the ability to pick a gap and push his way into the backfield. He has eight tackles so far in 2016, but he has primarily played just on first and second downs. Branch has history with Buffalo as he signed there as a free agent in 2013 and after one season had an acrimonious departure. He should be motivated to stop the run on Sunday.

OK, Connor, let’s stay with the Bills running game and give me a plan for how the Patriots are going to keep quarterback Tyrod Taylor in the pocket and keep him from breaking off another 49-yard run (and 20-yard touchdown run) like he did last week against Arizona.

Next: Connor answers

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