Mike Reiss, ESPN Staff Writer 6y

Alan Branch thinks of 36-ounce steak when facing Marshawn Lynch

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- The New England Patriots will face running back Marshawn Lynch for the first time since Super Bowl XLIX, which had run-stuffing defensive tackle Alan Branch relaying his excitement for Sunday’s game against the Oakland Raiders with an outside-the-hash-marks comparison.

“A lot of people like to say that they bring the same energy to every game, but when you know you’ve got a 36-ounce steak on your plate, you just want to see if you can try to eat it all in one gulp. He’s definitely a load,” Branch said.

And while the 5-foot-11, 215-pound Lynch isn’t producing at the same levels as he has in the past (86 carries, 323 yards, 4 TDs), Branch is still expecting his best.

“When you’re a defensive lineman who prides himself on stopping the run, you always want to play against the best, and he definitely has been one of the best the last decade,” he said after Thursday’s walk-through at Falcon Stadium at the Air Force Academy, where the Patriots are spending the week. “And their offensive line is one of the best in the league, for sure.”

The Patriots’ run defense had mixed results in Sunday’s victory over the Broncos, with Denver gaining 118 yards on 28 carries (4.2 avg.). Reinforcements might be on the way in the form of starter Malcom Brown, who has missed the last two games with an ankle injury but rejoined the team this week in Colorado to practice on a limited basis for the first time Wednesday.

Also, Branch popped up on the injury report with a sore neck, but he indicated it shouldn’t keep him out of action.

“I don’t think so. Everybody gets a little crink in their neck every once in a while. I still practiced for the stuff that pertained to me. I didn’t really miss much,” he said.

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