5 Lions Who Will Carry Detroit to the Super Bowl

Brian Branch

The Lions are a much-improved defensive unit this season after struggling on that end of the field last season. In 2023, Detroit was the 23rd-ranked defense in the NFL, and this year, they are all the way up to seventh.

Their defensive backfield is a huge reason for that success. PFF ranks the Lions as a top-ten unit in coverage, the best unit in tackling, and sixth in overall defense. Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph's performances have been particularly impressive.

Lions fans are very well aware of how elite of a defensive back Branch has been since being drafted last year. The rest of the fans and the media may not be aware of what the second-round pick out of Alabama is capable of.

After being a Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate last season, Branch has taken his game to another level this season. Through 14 starts, he has four interceptions, seven tackles for loss, five QB hits, and a forced fumble while only allowing a 65.9 passer rating when targeted.

On PFF, he is graded as the seventh-best cornerback in the league but due to his versatility and ability to line up anywhere on the secondary, he is an even more crucial piece for this team.

If the Lions are going to punch above their weight amid all their defensive injuries, Branch will almost certainly have to play a huge part in that. His defensive playmaking and disruption will be a huge factor in Detroit's ability to slow down the elite playoff offenses they are going to face.