A one-game absence may have made Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch that much stronger.
On Tuesday, Lions safeties coach Jim O'Neil discussed his observations of Branch since returning from a Week 7 suspension, and his comments raised expectations for the 2024 Pro Bowler ahead of a Week 9 divisional game against the Minnesota Vikings (3-4).
"It's great to have him back," O'Neil told reporters including Nolan Bianchi of The Detroit News. He also noted that he's seen "an even more motivated" player and the praise didn't stop there with O'Neil adding that Branch is "one of my all-time favorite people and all-time favorite players that I've coached."
Detroit Lions Comments A Promising Sign For Brian Branch In Week 9
Branch has already become one of the league's top safeties, and based on O'Neil's comments, he could be an even bigger force upon his return.
Per NFL Pro insights, Branch has been targeted at the third-lowest rate (9.7%) among defenders with at least 20 target. He has also allowed the sixth-fewest yards (164) among defensive backs with at least 20 targets and 200 coverage snaps. Branch has also provided versatility as a pass-rusher, generating pressure on 44.4% of his pass-rush attempts.
The Lions didn't skip a beat without him against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 7, holding Tampa to 210 passing yards and a season-low nine points. Branch was suspended for one game after a postgame altercation following a Week 6 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, and O'Neil's comments praising him as a person shows the team has his back and isn't allowing one mistake to define who he is. Branch's play will do that.
Branch's play could will do that and he could feast this Sunday against the Vikings.
The Vikings are expected to welcome back quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who was shaky in his first two career starts in Weeks 1 and 2, completing 58.5% of his pass attempts for 301 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions while also losing 47 yards on nine sacks. If the Lions — sans Branch — were able to stifle an explosive Bucs offense led by veteran quarterback Baker Mayfield, they should like their chances at home against McCarthy.
Branch likely doesn't need much motivation to get ready for a divisional game, but he has something to prove after his ugly primetime incident with Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster. For a defense already firing on all cylinders, Branch's return from suspension – and the encouraging comments from O'Neil – should make it even scarier.