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Why Patriots DL Alan Branch is player everyone should be talking about

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Sunday's AFC Championship game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots offers up a classic something-has-to-give situation, highlighting why defensive tackle Alan Branch is such a key player for Bill Belichick's club.

Consider these two things:

  • Including postseason, no individual has rushed for 90 or more yards against the Patriots in their last 24 games. The last was Denver’s C.J. Anderson with 113 yards in Week 12 last season.

  • Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell has rushed for 90 or more yards in each of his last eight games, which includes a 236-yard effort against the Buffalo Bills.