New England Patriots' defense tackle Alan Branch had a strong regular-season finish Sunday against the Miami Dolphins after he earned praise from coach Bill Belichick.
Branch had two tackles and knocked down a pass in the Patriots' 35-14 win against the Dolphins, who managed just 75 yards rushing and 280 overall.
Branch may have been encouraged by the comments of his coach heading into the game.
"(Alan) Branch has by far been our most consistent defensive tackle, so the other guys can shoot to get up to his level," Belichick said on a conference call earlier last week.