Help is finally on the way for the struggling Detroit Lions' defense. While he was ruled out of Week 5, even though there was some speculation about his return, it shouldn't be long before Brian Branch is back on the field.
Having one of the smartest, hardest-hitting, and most dynamic strong safeties back in the fold is no small thing. That's especially the case if you consider how much Christian Izien has struggled as his place-holding starter.
Izien has been decent against the run with 10 stops through four games, but he's been a liability in coverage. And with Branch likely returning after the bye week, the game vs. the Arizona Cardinals might be his last chance to prove that he was worth adding.
Brian Branch's return will finally end the Christian Izien experience
To be fair, the Lions only signed Izien to be a depth piece and a rotational guy here and there. He's way over his head, but that's to be expected of a guy making just over $1 million and signed to a one-year deal.
Regardless, everyone on the roster should be ready to make a positive impact when given an opportunity, and that hasn't been the case thus far. Things were particularly bad in his primetime game vs. Tetairoa McMillan.
In the first month of the regular season, Izien gave up 12 receptions on as many targets for 90 yards and a score, with quarterbacks logging a 125.7 passer rating when targeting him. That's counting that he didn't even play in the season opener, so this could've been much worse.
Now, the Lions can turn to Branch. He hasn't played in 10 months, but he should be more than motivated to get back out there, not only because the Lions will face the Green Bay Packers after the bye week, but also because he's entering the final year of his contract and didn't get an extension this offseason.
Granted, Izien would most likely head to the bench regardless of whether he was playing poorly or not with Branch in the fold. That said, Week 5 might be the difference between actually getting some snaps here and there andor not taking the field again for the remainder of the season.
The Lions' defense has been one of the worst in NFL history this season, and they can't afford to let anyone hold them back any further. And with Kerby Joseph also likely returning at some point, there might be a light at the end of the tunnel here.
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