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New England Patriots: 16 most important Patriots during their dynasty

By Brian Hines

FOXBORO, MA - OCTOBER 29: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots talks with Tom Brady #12 during the fourth quarter of a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Gillette Stadium on October 29, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA - OCTOBER 29: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots talks with Tom Brady #12 during the fourth quarter of a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Gillette Stadium on October 29, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) /
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New England Patriots: 16 most important Patriots during their dynasty
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27: Deion Branch #84 of the New England Patriots catches a 63-yard reception in the second quarter against Nnamdi Asomugha #24 of the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on November 27, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /

15. Deion Branch

The Ringers Rank: Unranked

Deion Branch fills the hole left by Randy Moss on this list. Moss was arguably Brady’s best weapon he’s ever had but never won a championship in his time with New England. Also, he was he just here for three and one-half seasons.

Moss did dominate in those three and one-half seasons, but Branch provided quality receiver play for New England for several seasons.

Branch was drafted by the Patriots in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft. He stayed in New England until 2006, where he left to join Seattle. In those four seasons, Branch piled up over 200 catches, two Super-Bowl titles and one Super Bowl MVP.

"“It’s hard to really compare anybody to Branch,” Belichick said. “Branch had a rare quickness. I mean, what’d he run, like a three-seven short-shuttle? You just don’t see that. Deion was very, very quick and very smart.”"

After the Patriots dealt Moss in 2010, New England actually re-acquired Deion Branch from Seattle. In doing so, the offense immediately improved and they returned to the Super Bowl the next season.

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