Zachariah Branch came through with a clutch third down catch during Atlanta’s preseason matchup against the Denver Broncos…
That matters for a rookie receiver who is trying to earn a meaningful role in a crowded offensive group. Branch has already been generating plenty of attention throughout training camp.
Now he's starting to show that explosiveness can translate to the NFL.
Atlanta already has Drake London at the top of its receiving corps with Jahan Dotson and Olamide Zaccheaus were added during the offseason. That means Branch doesn't exactly need to walk into a massive target share immediately.
But he does need to prove he can consistently create plays when his number is called. And so far, he's doing that as this preseason is giving Atlanta some early answers.
The Falcons could have a fun weapon on their hands
My favorite part of Zachariah Branch's latest play is the situation…
Cause a third down target in the red zone carries more weight than simply picking up a few yards on some routine preseason play. The Atlanta Falcons put the ball in Branch's hands when they needed a big play and the kid delivered.
"I'm all about winning," Branch said when he first got to Atlanta. "Whatever position they want me to be in to be able to help our team win is what I'm going to do. Whether it's special teams, receiver, I'm with it all."
That versatility could be extremely valuable for the Falcons.
Branch can contribute as a receiver and returner, giving Atlanta another way to manufacture explosive plays without needing to put everything on Drake London or the running game.
The Falcons also believe Branch can eventually do more than operate exclusively from the slot. Head coach Kevin Stefanski has discussed his potential to play both inside and outside, while Atlanta went back to Branch's USC tape and saw a more extensive route tree than what he was primarily asked to run at Georgia.
That's why this preseason is important.
Branch doesn't need to become a star immediately (although I wouldn’t complain if he did). He does, however, need to keep showing the Falcons that he can be trusted when the offense needs a play… A clutch third down catch in the red zone is a pretty good way to start.
If Branch continues making plays like this throughout the preseason, Atlanta may have a much bigger role waiting for him when the regular season arrives.
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