Alan Branch ready to go? Slimmed down!

[CaptTurbo]

Whisenhunt said he was encouraged by the weight of defensive tackle Alan Branch, who showed up around 332 pounds, lower than his target weight. Branch is facing a crucial camp after a disappointing 2008 season. …

http://www.azcardinals.com/news/detail.php?PRKey=3076

 

[MrYeahBut]

I wonder where Branch is ready to go.

 

[cardsfanmd]

Please, please, please Mr Branch, kick some ass. If he comes out and plays up to his potential (or somewhere close) it would mean the difference between us being a middle-of-the-pack defense and a top 10 or better unit.

I remember reading late last year that Branch came into Whiz's office and wanted to know why he wasn't playing because he was kicking azz in practice. IIRC Whiz said that he needed tyo do more work off the field (weightroom/studying) to get on the field. Hopefully that was the kick in the butt he needed.

 

[TJ]

I wonder where Branch is ready to go.

Hometown Buffet?

 

[RugbyMuffin]

Since ESPN knows zip about the Cardinals I would say this is a B.S. article, and Branch sucks until proven other wise.

 

[Mulli]

Since ESPN knows zip about the Cardinals I would say this is a B.S. article, and Branch sucks until proven other wise.

Wasn't this Darren Urban quoting Whisenhunt?

 

[cardsfanmd]

Wasn't this Darren Urban quoting Whisenhunt?

yes

 

[Mulli]

yes

what article was Rugby referring to?

 

[bratwurst]

Get back in the game!

You must be registered for see images

 

[RugbyMuffin]

what article was Rugby referring to?

I was referring to anyone who thinks that Branch is going to do anything this year.

Even Whiz.......that's right I'll take on the big cheese in this situation.

Sorry for the confusion, work has me at about 27 on a scale of 1 to 10 on patinece level.

 

[Mulli]

I was referring to anyone who thinks that Branch is going to do anything this year.

Even Whiz.......that's right I'll take on the big cheese in this situation.

Sorry for the confusion, work has me at about 27 on a scale of 1 to 10 on patinece level.

No worries.

You must be registered for see images

 

[devilfan02]

Whoopty doo. It shouldn't be hard for an athelte to report to camp at 332 pounds when you have 5 months to prepare. What a fat slob, 332 lbs is even too big for him. Clearly there was a valid reason (LAZY) why he dropped out of the top-10 a couple drafts ago

 

[Carddan]

To those saying that there is NO chance Branch will succeed, you do have history on your side. However, I believe he has the physical attributes to do the job. If I am correct, then anything is possible. I am not saying I believe he will be what we hoped for 3 years ago, but I can't say it is not possible. (and please don't lump any of us here with the "experts" on ESPN, that's a low blow)
Branch must realize this is the last year on his rookie contract. He has to have noticed the big paydays other lineman have received. If there were ever a time for him to get it in gear, this is it. Will that make a difference? I don't know. I do know that right now he is on the Cardinals' roster. If he contributes to the success of the team I will be very happy. I'm rooting for him as I do all of our players.

 

[football karma]

Whoopty doo. It shouldn't be hard for an athelte to report to camp at 332 pounds when you have 5 months to prepare. What a fat slob, 332 lbs is even too big for him. Clearly there was a valid reason (LAZY) why he dropped out of the top-10 a couple drafts ago

332 was his John Lott prepared target weight

the guy is 6-5

 

[joeshmo]

What a fat slob, 332 lbs is even too big for him.

Watson - 6-4, 330lbs
Branch - 6-5, 332lbs
???????

Coaches or more likely Lott want him at that weight, why would they want him at a weight that is to big for him and Watson?

Also note the Branch was at that weight for the voluntary workouts as well, it isnt like he took 5 months to lose it, he just spent 5 months maintaining it.

Doesnt mean it will translate to the field though.

 

[joeshmo]

Branch must realize this is the last year on his rookie contract.

It isnt the last year, signed through 2010.

 

[Catfish]

Well now --- This could prove to be very interesting. IF, in fact the light has come on for Branch, and he has made a genuine committment, then who knows where this could take our defense. It would be awesome to have three committed and capable nose guards in the rotation, staying fresh and spelling each other. This camp will be worth watching, just to see how deep the committment is throughout the entire team.

 

[Carddan]

It isnt the last year, signed through 2010.

Thanks Joe, I knew that didn't sound right but I failed to check my facts. (which I often get from you) I stand by my analysis, however. If he has a breakout year he could be in position to re-sign for much bigger $$$ with one year left. Thanks again, I hate mistating facts, but when I do, I'ld rather learn the truth than continue in ignorance.

 

[Mulli]

Thanks Joe, I knew that didn't sound right but I failed to check my facts. (which I often get from you) I stand by my analysis, however. If he has a breakout year he could be in position to re-sign for much bigger $$$ with one year left. Thanks again, I hate mistating facts, but when I do, I'ld rather learn the truth than continue in ignorance.

Hey Dan, thanks for the antenna balls!

 

[bg7brd]

Whoopty doo. It shouldn't be hard for an athelte to report to camp at 332 pounds when you have 5 months to prepare. What a fat slob, 332 lbs is even too big for him. Clearly there was a valid reason (LAZY) why he dropped out of the top-10 a couple drafts ago

Did you even read the article? He came in under the weight goal set for him. I don't get all you haters. How can it possibly benefit the Cards if Branch is a bust? The guy came out as a junior and it typically takes a couple of years for these big lineman to come in to their own. It looks to me that he's starting to mature and I'm holding out hope that the light stays on and shines bright.

 

[CardLogic]

Also note the Branch was at that weight for the voluntary workouts as well, it isnt like he took 5 months to lose it, he just spent 5 months maintaining it.

Doesnt mean it will translate to the field though.

It's a positive note that he did maintain it throughout the summer. Iirc, last year Branch reported to camp overweight. So it's progress! Now let's hope he mans-up on the field; and if not "don't let the door hit ya..."

 

[RonF]

Branch should be able to maintain a good (for him) playing weight because of the energy he expends through training camp. However, I'm waiting to see how much fight he has within him to play the game as aggressively as he should. If he plays as tough as the other leaders on the Card team, his weight will take care of itself.

 

[RugbyMuffin]

To those saying that there is NO chance Branch will succeed, you do have history on your side.

Well, yes and no.

Branch could make me eat my words ala Adrian Wilson, who took a little longer than your average player to "get it" in the NFL. But once he did.....well we all know the rest of the story.

I remember writing up a good rant about how Adrian Wilson will never amount to anything........good thing I was very wrong.

 

[earthsci]

It's a positive note that he did maintain it throughout the summer. Iirc, last year Branch reported to camp overweight. So it's progress! Now let's hope he mans-up on the field; and if not "don't let the door hit ya..."

Yep. If "the light bulb has gone on" for Branch, this is one of those things that will blindside the NFL. We didn't really add to the middle yet came out much improved (if he's ready).

 

[82CardsGrad]

This is very, very encouraging. Doesn't mean it will translate into better performance come game-time, however, every "expert" who has ever commented on Branch since he's been in the NFL (and even during his college days), has consistently stated that the man has all of the tools and gifts to totally dominate the line of scrimmage. However, the most important attribute of all has been missing - that is "want to". Branch has simply never "wanted to" dominate in a way that would allow him to even come close to living up to his potential.

The fact that he got below his weight-goal before the summer, and has maintained that weight could be an early indication that the light-bulb, while not fully shinning just yet, might just be flickering on now... If he does actually get to a point where his performance matches his promise, it would be a HUGE, amazing development for this team...