The Detroit Lions are preparing for a possible suspension for safety Brian Branch. This is after NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that the league will look into Branch's actions, with the defender needing to prepare himself for a fine or worse. It is understandable when you consider just what an awful look it was with America tuned in for Sunday Night Football, watching the Kansas City Chiefs take a knee. For those not paying attention, the actions appeared completely random and unhinged. However, while there is no defense of the poor choice from Branch, there is more than meets the eye.
If the franchise is defending its safety, there are two clips they should send to the league office, as it weighs a possible suspension. The first is when Patrick Mahomes scored early in the game and clearly taunted the safety. For some odd reason, this wasn't called despite the league's early focus on stopping players from taunting opponents. Later in the game, this was further set up by the fact that JuJu Smith-Schuster blindsided Branch from behind, leveling the defender. Neither of these okay the actions of Branch, but are pivotal in context.
The Lions are Bracing for Possible Suspension for Star Safety Brian Branch
The fact that Rapoport is so confidently saying that more than a fine is going to be considered is telling. It wouldn't be at all surprising to see the safety suspended for a game after the actions late Sunday. The stage was arguably set in the season's first game when Jalen Carter was tossed for an entire game for spitting on Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. While Branch didn't stoop to his level, the Lions have made it clear they want to keep it in between the whistles.
Even head coach Dan Campbell voiced frustration with Branch and made it clear that this isn't what the Lions are about. With all of this in mind, a suspension seems likely and would be extremely difficult for a banged-up Detroit secondary.
Not only are you dealing with injuries at the position, but you're preparing to take on the one-loss Tampa Bay Bucs in a game that could have incredibly important implications come January. Making it clear that the Lions are holding their breath when it comes to the league's decision.
The hope remains that the actions of Smith-Schuster and Mahomes earlier in the game are viewed as an explanation, and Branch is granted a bit of grace, getting only a hefty fine. This is the narrative Detroit fans will be hoping for as they enter a pivotal week after a frustrating loss in Arrowhead.