FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — The New England Patriots have signed defensive lineman Alan Branch and released linebacker Deontae Skinner.
Branch was cut by Buffalo on Aug. 24, one day after being arrested on a drunken driving charge. He spent the previous four seasons with Arizona after being drafted in the second round in 2007, then played two years for Seattle. He started 47 of his 94 games and had eight sacks. With Buffalo last year he had 39 tackles in 16 games.
Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia didn’t hesitate Tuesday when asked about Peyton Manning’s arm strength three years after major neck surgery.
“I think Peyton Manning’s arm strength is just fine,” Patricia said on a conference call, as the Patriots began to prepare for a visit by Manning and the Denver Broncos Sunday. “I think it’s pretty evident in his play that he makes all the throws necessary in order to score them a lot of points.”
Overall, the Patriots have had success against Manning in his days with both the Indianapolis Colts and Broncos.
Manning has gone 8-14 against New England — 6-12 in the regular season and 2-2 in the playoffs
Comments are not available on this story.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
