Detroit Lions’ safety Brian Branch is the embodiment of the team’s gritty and tough defense. The three-year veteran has earned the respect and praise of his teammates, becoming one of the team’s leaders. Despite not playing in their Week 7 victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, some of Branch’s teammates showed up wearing his jersey, displaying their support for the Pro-Bowler.
Branch missed the game because he was serving his one-game suspension for striking Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster the week prior. Although they were able to win without Branch, it’s never ideal to be without a player of his caliber, especially given the numerous injuries the defense has suffered. However, it’s safe to say that Branch won’t make the same mistake again after his recent comments.
Brian Branch Tempering His Emotions Following Suspension
During his media session on Tuesday, Branch told reporters, including ESPN’s Lions reporter Eric Woodyard, that he plans on “not playing with too much emotion” moving forward. Branch apologized for his actions, adding, “That’s something I don’t condone, and it’ll never happen again.”
These comments by Branch display his self-awareness and accountability, showing he understands the consequences of playing with too much emotion. While it’s not a bad thing to be an emotional player, you have to know how to control it. In this instance, Branch was upset over the loss, lost his composure, and hurt his team by being suspended.
While they survived without him for one week, this cannot be a recurring incident. Detroit's defense cannot afford for him to make any more crucial mistakes, especially since five of its players in the secondary are on injured reserve. Without Branch, the Lions would have difficulties trying to fill his void.
His versatility, combined with his ability to excel playing in both the box and in coverage, is vital to the Lions' success. With the help of Branch, Detroit’s defense ranks 16th against the pass (212.3), fourth against the run (87.7), and 12th in points allowed (21.6)
Branch is already having another Pro-Bowl caliber season, recording 33 total tackles, four tackles for loss, one sack, and five pass deflections. His 76.7 Pro Football Focus grade ranks sixth out of 88 safeties, whereas his 77.2 coverage grade ranks third.
Alongside Kerby Joseph and Aidan Hutchinson, Branch is one of the pillars of the Lions’ defense, and without him, they have no chance of making a deep postseason run. Regardless,
Lions' fans should be impressed with their young star’s changed approach and excited for his return Sunday afternoon against the Minnesota Vikings.