Deion Branch Defends 'Patriot Way' Saying, Work First Then Play

Current Steeler Cassius Marsh recently pooh-poohed the "The Patriot Way", pointing a finger at the organization for treating players like "crap." As far as longtime Patriot Deion Branch is concerned though, something about those comments doesn't smell right. Branch never felt mistreated in New England.

Branch, who spent six and a half season with the Patriots, addressed Marsh's comments during an appearance on NBC Sports Boston's Early Edition: "New England isn't for every player. New England is not the place you want to go and think you're just gonna play first and you do your work later. No, it's you work first and then we play."

Marsh's less than glowing comments about the Patriots stem from a short stint in Foxborough during the 2017 season. Marsh joined the team in September via trade and was waived in late November. “They work day-in and day-out. Their work ethic over there, what they instill, is pretty legendary. But they also treat players like crap," Marsh said, per CBS Boston.

If Marsh is seeking an anti-Patriot ally, he'll have to look to someone other than Branch, the Super Bowl XXXIX MVP.

"As far as playing the game in New England, I do not agree with him on that. I never had a situation where I felt myself or any of my former teammates felt like they were mistreated." Said Branch.

Marsh may want to brace himself for more crap. FanDuel Sportsbook currently lists the Steelers' regular season win total at just 8.5.