Deion Branch speaks truth, makes Hasselbeck sad

So apparently some people, like Seattle Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck, were not happy to hear that Deion Branch would be all over playing in New England again.

Dear Matt Hasselback,

From 2001-2004, the New England Patriots fielded what will be considered by many to be one of the greatest teams to ever play professional football. As fans, we were honored to be able to watch such a high caliber of sport and the players who contributed to this deserve all of the love and respect that they have earned. Since going to Seattle, Deion Branch has experienced none of the same highs with you as his QB. So when he gets all misty-eyed at the thought of returning to the place that provided him with such a desirable environment, let him. What the Patriots did over those four years will not be easily repeated, if it will be repeated at all.

I know you've been injured and all, but still. Let Branch have his memories. He'll still play as best he can, no matter what team he is on. This isn't personal toward you, but hey, you're no Tom Brady.

(I know, below the belt. Meh.).

Please re-sign Deion Branch. I want to see this

So as usual in the off-season, speculation is running wild about three things:

1) Will the Patriots sign Jason Taylor? My gut says, 'no.'
2) Will the Patriots sign Julius Peppers? My gut says, 'no.'
3) Will the Patriots acquire Deion Branch again? My heart says, 'Please, please, please, please, please.'

Addressing the question of whether he would be willing to return to New England, Branch said the following: "I still love coach Belichick, and if the opportunity presents itself to come back, I would love to be there. I still talk to Tom [Brady] to this day, and the crazy part is, you never lose that relationship with guys, especially when you do something special, which is what we did in my first four years in New England. I still talk with half of the team. To this day, I still talk with half of the guys that were on the team with me. It’s a special bond. For us to reunite, I don’t know. I would probably be crying at the press conference, if it happens."

There might be something that gets caught in my eye as well.

Plus, then if we are really, really lucky, we might get to see the Deion Branch Dance again. Love this guy.

Things are going down in Foxborough

1) Last night, the team announced that it had cut Tully Banta-Cain, which surprised the hell out of just about everyone. Tully Banta-Cain, besides having one of the best names in the league, was leading the team in sacks and had played relatively well. However, then everyone speculated that either Belichick was certifiable or perhaps TBC (as he is now known) would be re-signed soon. TBC confirmed that when he talked to a radio station yesterday (not that Belichick is certifiable, that he expects to be re-signed soon).

2) No one knows what the deal is with Adalius Thomas (also defense). He was a healthy scratch for Sunday's game, which was weird. He also missed several practices earlier this season for non-health issues, which I thought was weird at the time, but I forgot to post on that.

3) Today, the Patriots released Galloway, Michael Matthews, and Eric Alexander. Galloway is gone, no re-signing there. It appears that Matthews is also gone. Who knows with Alexander. There is still no word on the Thomas situation.

4) Rumors are flying about a potential trade for the Patriots. Maybe a WR to replace Galloway? One rumor is Deion Branch, because, let's face it, who doesn't love Deion Branch? I mean, one of my favorite things in playing my old Madden is that I can throw Brady to Branch for ridiculous yards. But that doesn't mean that he's still the same old guy (he's had injuries). Others speculate about Julius Peppers (DB for Carolina), a speculation that has been going on for quite a while and started last off-season. Trading deadline is today at 4pm.

Let's give them credit: they were not boring in the past few days.

Also, I am unbelievably grateful to be able to retire the 'Joey Galloway' tag. I had such high hopes. Just goes to show that not everyone can be fit into the Belichick system and win, you need quality players to execute on this level.